The Future of Nature Markets​

About the paper

This paper sets out challenges and opportunities associated with the surge in monetarisation of nature across the global economy. It establishes a baseline of where we are in the evolution of nature markets and areas that need to be addressed in ensuring that nature markets deliver equitable, nature positive outcomes. The paper does not set out recommendations or conclusions, as this work is only now due to begin.

Key themes

1. Nature Markets
2. What are Nature Markets?
3. Nature Market Development
4. Taskforce on Nature Markets

Highlights

• The sustainability of our economic systems depends on the sustainability of our ecosystem and its biodiversity.
• Nature and its contributions have historically been mis-valued, and its economic benefits inequitably distributed.
• A surge in the monetarisation of nature could be harnessed alongside other all-important approaches to valuing and stewarding nature. 
• New nature markets could deliver new nature positive products, engaging and benefiting public and private actors, including local and indigenous communities.
• Unchecked development of nature markets could lead to another historic round of nature-destructive and inequitable outcomes.
• A conscious, collective endeavour is needed to transform the practice and behaviour of the market to recognise and integrate the value of nature and its stewards into its core. 
• The Taskforce on Nature Markets’ ‘Call to Action’ is to those diverse communities that must be part of any sustainable solution: from investors, consumers and academia, to fishing communities and indigenous leaders, to policy makers and regulators, human rights activists and civil society at large, entrepreneurs and corporate leaders.