Nature’s value is not included in our economic system. It is invisible in economics, and, as there is no incentive to preserve its value, most economic

The finance gap to meet the UK’s nature targets is estimated to be at least £44 billion over the next ten years.1 Private finance is needed to fill the gap. [...] The economy depends on nature for food, fuel and the other resources we use to build homes, to maintain oxygen in the air we breathe, protect us from extreme weather and enrich our cultural and spiritual lives.2 This was highlighted by a board member of the European Central Bank who said, “the economy relies on the services of nature”, and that if you “destroy nature and you destroy the economy”.3. [...] The UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world.11 Just seven per cent of Britain’s native woodland is in good ecological condition.12 The government is nowhere near meeting its tree planting targets.13 Over two million hectares of soil are at risk of erosion in England and Wales.14 And sewage is polluting the UK’s coastlines and rivers.15 The economy is already bearing the cost o. [...] The finance gap to meet the UK’s nature targets is estimated to be at least £44 billion over the next ten years.40 Private finance is needed to fill the gap. [...] The government has a goal to get £1 billion of private investment into nature by 2030 and recognises the need for the development of nature markets.