Against a backdrop of increasing international interest in how we value the economic benefits we derive from our natural environment, business leaders, policy makers and sustainability leaders from around the world will come together in Edinburgh in November for the inaugural World Forum on Natural Capital.

Since the United Nations Earth Summit in Rio last June, there has been a groundswell of private sector interest in the concept of natural capital accounting. As the first major global conference devoted to turning the emerging debate into action, the World Forum on Natural Capital aims to widen understanding of the implications for businesses and the risks of ignoring ‘invisible’ assets.

The World Forum on Natural Capital is being organised by the Scottish Wildlife Trust. Simon Milne, Chief Executive, said: 

“Ultimately, nature is priceless. But it is not valueless.The urgent challenge facing us in the next decade is to more fully understand this value and the critical services nature provides to our economy and society. The World Forum is an opportunity for Scotland to lead by example. We believe this major event will help, crucially, to move the debate on natural capital further towards action.”

Delegates from throughout the world are expected to attend the event, which is supported by major business and environmental organisations including the United Nations Environment Programme; World Business Council for Sustainable Development; International Union for Conservation of Nature; TEEB (The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity) for Business Coalition; and The Wildlife Trusts. 

The World Forum on Natural Capital will take place at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre on 21-22 November 2013. www.naturalcapitalforum.com