Why Valuation and why this Network?
Attention for ecosystem services, their values and possible financing instruments has increased rapidly in recent years and international organisations and conventions increasingly recognise that more and better information on the socio-cultural and economic benefits of ecosystem services is necessary to:
Demonstrate the contribution of ecosystems to the local, national and global economy (and thus build local and political support for their conservation and sustainable use);
Convince decision-makers that benefits of conservation and sustainable use of ecosystems and protected areas usually outweigh the costs and thus attract investments and factor nature into development planning through more balanced cost-benefit analysis;
Identify the users and beneficiaries of ecosystem services to secure sustainable finance streams and incentives for the maintenance of these services (i.e. facilitate "user pays" schemes and ensure that local people receive a proper and equitable share of the benefits);
Increase awareness about the many benefits of ecosystems to human wellbeing and ensure that nature is better taken into account in the development of economic welfare indicators (eg. in GNP-calculations).
How to use this Network and Website
Download the NV&F brochure
The Main Objectives of the Nature Valuation & Financing Network
1. Development of Guidelines and Instruments
Provide guidelines for valuation (ecological, economic and socio-cultural) of goods and services provided by natural and semi-natural ecosystems and landscapes.
Develop instruments for financing the sustainable use of ecosystem goods and services
Application of valuation and financing in decision-making instruments (Cost-Benefit Analysis, Multi-Criteria Analysis)
2. Stimulate Case Studies & Collaboration
Stimulate development of relevant case studies
Provide a platform for finding partners to collaborate in research programs and projects
Facilitate Discussion Groups & Working Groups
3. Provide Databases & Certification
Provide a portal to relevant databases, publications and organizations
Support the set-up of a certification system to ensure the quality of future valuation & financing studies
4. Clearing House Function
Website
Newsletter
Educational material
Meetings, announcements
5. Support National Platforms
The Network will facilitate the development of National Platforms on the topic of Nature Valuation and Financing (people interested in this service can obtain editing rights to their own National Platform which can be designed in the National Language but allows direct linkage to all the data and functionalities of the international Network)
6. Engaging Across a Range of Sectors
In communicating emerging knowledge on ecosystem services, the NV&F Network aims to engage with a broad cross-section of sectors and 'stakeholders' such as: government, private sector, science (multi-disciplinary) and broader civil society. This is by no means an easy task and requires much time and resources to be devoted to developing integrated communication platforms and strategies; strengthening of networks and partnerships; and facilitating information flows and exchanges.
There are a number of ways in which you can assist us in achieving these objectives. In addition to offering support for national platforms (see above), we always welcome any correspondence of news, events, reports, research and/or case studies that may help strengthen the network and the depth and quality of information delivered.
Additionally, we also seek the financial support needed to keep the Nature Valuation & Financing Network alive and active. As a not-for-profit platform, the Network is supported solely by the generous time invested by its members and additionally through sporadic funding from interested donors and specific project collaborators. The Network is therefore continually seeking ways to expand its potential and to develop new partnerships. If you or your organisation would like to find out more about how you can add your support and become a partner or donor to the Network, please contact Mishka at mishka.stuip@fsd.nl.
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