WHY IT’S IMPORTANT THAT WE VALUE NATURE
Because nature is free, we often take it for granted and overexploit it. We clear forests, overfish oceans, pollute rivers and build over wetlands without taking account of the impact this will have. By not taking into account the benefits we get from nature, we create huge social and economic costs for ourselves.
We need to look at the value of nature in economic and social terms to help us better understand the full implications of the choices we make. Instead of making decisions based on short-term financial interests, we can look at the longer-term benefits for people and the economy – and of course nature itself. Using this argument, we’re persuading governments and businesses to take better care of
the natural world,
so that it can continue
to sustain us
all into the future.