In the lead up to the UN Biodiversity Conference (CBD COP15), the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), as part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), is bringing together a broad range of communities and building capacity across academia, policy, business and NGOs to promote the importance of addressing research challenges within the area of the economics of biodiversity.   NERC invites you to attend a series of two NERC led COP15 workshops themed on the ‘Economics of Biodiversity’. These workshops will be held as a virtual meeting on 7^th and 9^th September 2021.  

For further information, and to express interest in joining this workshop series before the closing date of 12^th August, sign up here.

If you have any questions, please contact economics@nerc.ukri.org

The author of the illustrated novel, ‘Valuing Nature: The Roots and Transformation’, Rob Fish, who was the Arts & Humanities champion of the VN Programme, and the illustrator of the book, Holly McKelvey, held an Instagram event to introduce the book in preparation for its launch.  Click here to watch Rob and Holly discuss the motivation behind the book, its ethos, and the process of writing and illustrating this soon to be published, innovative novel.  

The Environmental Science and Mental Health Review, commissioned by NERC via the VN programme, is now available.  This report outlines where and how environmental science can play a role in the mental health domain.  For more information and to download the report, click here

The Valuing Nature Programme has worked with business over the last 2 years, funded by the Natural Environment Research Council, to develop a Natural Assets Research and Innovation Agenda in Support of Business and Policy. This has involved:

Based on this work, the Valuing Nature Programme has submitted a Case to NERC, within the context of the NERC  Call for Ideas for potential Strategic Priorities Fund (SPF) programmes, for an investment of £100m+ in a new  Natural Assets Research & Innovation Platform and Agenda in Support of UK Business & Policy.

The idea is now under consideration by NERC, who may work it up to a potential bid to the SPF and/or consider other possible funding modes.

At this stage, we are seeking further support from the business community (and other organisations) through the following pledge form. Please sign this pledge form and help us by promoting signature by relevant business and other contacts in your network. You can view the list of signatories here.

Thank you.

Guy Duke, Business Champion
Peter Young, Chair Business Interest Group

As part of the Valuing Nature Programme’s aim to build interdisciplinary research capability with strong engagement of end users we are pleased to announce that the Valuing Nature Annual Conference will be held at the Town Hall in Manchester on Tuesday 18th October 2016.

A varied programme will bring together researchers, practitioners, business and policy makers in a forum of key note presentations, discussion and activity workshops.

Full details will be available soon from the Valuing Nature Programme website and a further notification will be sent to all members of the Valuing Nature Network

Please inform anyone you think may be interested in attending.