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KNOWLEDGE MAP Back to overview

Natural Capital

Which knowledge networks are working… for governments?

Knowledge networks and organizations can provide governments with policy-oriented information and support for the integration of natural capital in decision-making. Among these networks and organizations are UN Statistical Division, WAVES, MAES and Statistics Netherlands.

UN Statistical Division

The United Nations Statistical Division is the key driver behind the development of System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA) and Experimental Ecosystem Accounting (EEA). This system contains the internationally agreed standard concepts, definitions, classifications, accounting rules and tables for producing internationally comparable statistics on the environment and its relationship with the economy.

More information the website of the UN Statistical Division.

WAVES

The World Bank leads a partnership to advance natural capital accounting internationally. This Wealth Accounting and the Valuation of Ecosystem Services (WAVES) partnership aims to promote sustainable development by ensuring that natural resources are mainstreamed into development planning and national economic accounts. WAVES helps countries to compile accounts for natural resources like timber, water, and minerals, following the UN SEEA Central Framework, as well as experimental accounts for ecosystems like watersheds and mangroves.

For more information, visit the WAVES website.

Mapping and Assessment on Ecosystems and their Services (MAES)

Action 5 of the EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2020 calls Member States to map and assess the state of ecosystems and their services in their national territory. The results should support the maintenance and restoration of ecosystems and their services. The Working Group on MAES supports the implementation of Action 5.

More information on the Biodiversity information system for Europe website.

Statistics Netherlands (CBS)

The government agency Statistics Netherlands (CBS) each year produces the National Accounts. CBS is currently also working on environmental accounts and is experimenting with ecosystem services accounting according to SEEA-EEA. These ecosystem services accounts describe which economic sectors use which ecosystem services and where these originate.

More information on the website of the CBS.