Natural capital is related to several concepts and initiatives: the circular economy, the biobased economy, Green Growth, Planetary Boundaries and the Landscape Approach (VCA).
Circular Economy
A circular economy is an industrial economy, which has resilience as its intention and replaces usage by using. The circular economy is based on closing loops and (where possible, infinitely) extending cycles. By closing the loops ‘waste is food’. In the circular economy our attitude towards natural capital changes: the emphasis is on regeneration and not degradation.
OPAi & MVO Nederland (2014), p. 11.
Ellen MacArthur Foundation (2013), p. 78.
More information on the Knowledge Map Circular Economy.
Biobased Economy
A biobased economy is an economy that does not run on fossil fuels, but an economy that runs on biomass as a resource for materials and energy. In a BBE it is about using biomass for non-food applications.
More information on the BioBased Economy website (in Dutch).
Green Growth
Green growth means fostering economic growth and development, while ensuring that natural assets continue to provide the resources and environmental services on which our well-being relies.
OECD (2011), p. 4.
Planetary Boundaries
A set of nine boundaries within which humanity can continue to develop and thrive for generations to come. Crossing the planetary boundaries could generate abrupt or irreversible environmental changes. Climate change and ocean acidification are two examples of boundaries. In 2015 three out of nine boundaries were exceeded with certainty: genetic biodiversity, the nitrogen cycle and the phosphorus cycle.
More information on the website of the Stockholm Resilience Centre.
Landscape Approach & VCA
In recent years the landscape approach has been put forward as a possible decision support solution for several development issues (often referred to as competing claims) that converge on a landscape level. The landscape approach aims to develop a shared vision for the future by integrating the objectives of all stakeholders at landscape level, in order to establish long-term integrated sustainable development. Verified Conservation Areas (VCA) aim to develop a market place for integrated landscape management by improving accountability and transparency and inviting businesses to invest.
More information on the website of VCA.
