Urban centres do not only pose a threat to the sustainable delivery ecosystems goods and services, but also provide the infrastructure and the people to realise the economic value of such goods and services.
A study done in Canada argued that a supply of urban natural capital provides residents (and visitors!) with a connection to nature as well as benefits such as improved health, recreational and educational opportunities, increased property values, encouraging tourism and attracting and retaining skilled labour and businesses.
Investing in urban natural capital has some tangible socio-economic benefits that can be quantified. The challenge remains to make a compelling business case to municipalities and local authorities to invest in natural capital, which by nature is often a public good.
Picture: Flickr
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