The Economics of Biodiversity Training Course

The Economics of Biodiversity Training Course

Introduction

Biodiversity, the intricate web of life on Earth, is not just a matter of environmental concern but a fundamental pillar of economic stability and human well-being. The "Economics of Biodiversity" is an emerging field that quantifies and integrates the value of nature into economic and financial decision-making. This course provides a comprehensive framework for understanding how nature provides essential "ecosystem services" from clean air and water to pollination and climate regulation that underpin global economies. We will explore the risks and opportunities associated with biodiversity loss, demonstrating that a healthy, biodiverse planet is a prerequisite for long-term prosperity.

The Economics of Biodiversity Training Course is designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and tools to move beyond traditional economic models that treat nature as an infinite resource. By delving into the principles of natural capital and ecological economics, participants will learn to identify, assess, and manage biodiversity-related risks across sectors. The course emphasizes practical application, with a focus on innovative financial instruments, policy solutions, and business strategies that promote a nature-positive future. Join us to become a leader in the transition towards a resilient, sustainable, and biodiverse global economy.

Course Duration

10 days

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Define and articulate the concept of natural capital and its central role in economic systems.
2. Learn and apply methodologies for valuing ecosystem services, including direct, indirect, and non-use values.
3. Identify and assess financial, reputational, and operational risks associated with biodiversity loss and nature degradation.
4. Incorporate biodiversity metrics and natural capital accounting into corporate and public policy frameworks.
5. Master innovative finance mechanisms, such as green bonds, nature-based solutions, and biodiversity offsets.
6. Critically analyze policy tools like Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES), carbon pricing, and environmental regulations.
7. Understand the key findings of "The Dasgupta Review on the Economics of Biodiversity" and its implications for global policy.
8. Formulate and implement business and investment strategies that drive positive biodiversity outcomes.
9. Map and evaluate biodiversity risks and dependencies within complex global supply chains.
10. Understand how key sectors, including agriculture, finance, and infrastructure, rely on and impact biodiversity.
11. Utilize frameworks like the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) for reporting and disclosure.
12. Explore the role of emerging technologies, such as satellite remote sensing and AI, in monitoring and managing biodiversity.
13. Recognize the critical link between biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Organizational Benefits

• Proactively identify and manage financial, legal, and reputational risks associated with nature loss.
• Equip teams with the knowledge to meet evolving regulatory requirements and investor demands for biodiversity disclosure.
• Unlock new market opportunities and develop innovative, sustainable products and services.
• Strengthen brand image and build consumer trust by demonstrating a genuine commitment to environmental stewardship.
• Integrate natural capital into corporate strategy to build long-term resilience and create shared value for shareholders and society.
• Attract and retain top talent by offering training in a high-demand field critical to future business success.

Target Audience

• Sustainability and ESG Professionals
• Financial Analysts and Investment Managers
• Corporate Strategy and Risk Managers
• Government and Public Policy Officials
• Environmental and Conservation Practitioners
• Researchers and Academics
• Supply Chain and Operations Managers
• Development Bank and NGO Staff

Course Modules

Module 1: The Foundations of Biodiversity & Ecosystem Services

• Defining biodiversity and its value beyond conservation.
• Introduction to ecosystem services and their economic significance.
• The Drivers of Biodiversity Loss: From land-use change to climate change.
• Global frameworks: The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
• Case Study: The economic impact of coral reef degradation on fisheries and tourism in the Caribbean.

Module 2: Natural Capital and Economic Systems

• Principles of natural capital accounting.
• Integrating nature into national accounts and corporate balance sheets.
• The "Dasgupta Review": A new paradigm for economics.
• Weak vs. strong sustainability and the limits to growth.
• Case Study: The Wealth Accounting and the Valuation of Ecosystem Services (WAVES) initiative in Costa Rica.

Module 3: Valuing Nature: Methodologies and Frameworks

• Introduction to economic valuation techniques
• Cost-benefit analysis for nature-related projects.
• The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) framework.
• Challenges and controversies in valuing intangible benefits.
• Case Study: Valuing the flood-protection services of wetlands in the Mississippi River basin.

Module 4: Biodiversity Risk and Corporate Strategy

• Identifying and assessing biodiversity-related risks
• Materiality assessment for nature-related dependencies and impacts.
• Embedding nature into enterprise risk management frameworks.
• Reporting and disclosure using the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures 
• Case Study: A multinational food and beverage company's assessment of supply chain risks related to deforestation.

Module 5: Biodiversity Finance and Investment

• Mobilizing public and private capital for nature.
• Innovative finance mechanisms: Green bonds, biodiversity credits, and impact funds.
• The role of multilateral development banks and public-private partnerships.
• Financing nature-based solutions (NBS) for climate and biodiversity.
• Case Study: A case study of a "blue bond" issued to fund marine conservation efforts.

Module 6: Policy Instruments for a Nature-Positive Future

• The design and implementation of market-based instruments 
• Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) schemes: Theory and practice.
• Exploring the effectiveness of regulations and protected area management.
• Aligning fiscal and monetary policy with biodiversity goals.
• Case Study: A successful PES program protecting a watershed that supplies drinking water to a major city.

Module 7: Sectoral Deep Dive: Agriculture & Land Use

• The economic trade-offs of land-use change and agricultural intensification.
• Promoting sustainable agriculture and regenerative practices.
• The economics of agroforestry and biodiversity-friendly farming.
• Addressing deforestation in commodity supply chains.
• Case Study: The financial viability of sustainable cocoa farming versus conventional methods.

Module 8: Sectoral Deep Dive: Finance & Infrastructure

• Assessing biodiversity-related risks in banking and lending portfolios.
• Integrating biodiversity criteria into infrastructure project planning.
• Responsible investment and the role of asset managers.
• Challenges and opportunities for central banks in addressing nature-related risks.
• Case Study: The financing of a large-scale renewable energy project and its impact on local ecosystems.

Module 9: The Climate-Nature Nexus

• Understanding the feedback loops between climate change and biodiversity loss.
• The economic case for a joint climate and nature strategy.
• Valuing nature's role in climate mitigation (e.g., carbon sequestration).
• Nature-based solutions for climate adaptation.
• Case Study: The economic benefits of mangrove restoration as a climate adaptation strategy.

Module 10: Measuring and Reporting on Biodiversity

• Key biodiversity metrics and indicators.
• Using satellite data and remote sensing for monitoring.
• Global standards and frameworks for corporate reporting (e.g., GRI, SBTN).
• Challenges in data collection and aggregation.
• Case Study: A company's biodiversity footprint analysis using advanced data analytics.

Module 11: The Role of Technology and Innovation

• Emerging technologies for biodiversity conservation (AI, drones, eDNA).
• Using blockchain for supply chain transparency and traceability.
• The digital economy's impact on nature.
• Fostering innovation in biotech and bioprospecting.
• Case Study: How a tech company is using satellite imagery and machine learning to track illegal logging.

Module 12: Biodiversity and Human Well-being

• The economic value of nature for public health.
• Biodiversity and the prevention of zoonotic diseases.
• The cultural and spiritual values of nature.
• Integrating biodiversity into urban planning.
• Case Study: A city's cost-benefit analysis of investing in urban green spaces.

Module 13: Governing the Green Transition

• Biodiversity mainstreaming in national and international policy.
• The role of subsidies and perverse incentives.
• Global governance for a biodiverse world.
• Equity and justice in the nature transition.
• Case Study: A nation's policy reforms to align agricultural subsidies with biodiversity goals.

Module 14: Practical Application & Strategic Planning

• Group workshop: Developing a nature-positive business plan.
• Scenario planning for different biodiversity-related risks.
• Interactive exercise: Building a compelling business case for investing in nature.
• Peer review and feedback session.
• Case Study: A multinational corporation's strategy for achieving Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) in its operations.

Module 15: The Future of Biodiversity Economics

• Emerging trends in biodiversity science and policy.
• The role of citizen science and community-led conservation.
• Looking ahead: What's next for the climate-nature agenda?
• Call to action: Becoming a change agent for a nature-positive future.
• Case Study: The evolution of a conservation NGO's strategy from traditional fundraising to engaging with financial markets.

Training Methodology

This course utilizes a blended, interactive approach to ensure maximum engagement and knowledge retention. The methodology includes:

• Expert-Led Lectures: Delivered by leading professionals and academics in the field.
• Interactive Case Studies.
• Group Workshops and Discussions.
• Practical Exercises.
• Q&A Sessions: Opportunities for direct interaction and personalized feedback.
• Digital Resources: Access to curated readings, reports, and online tools.

Register as a group from 3 participants for a Discount

Send us an email: info@datastatresearch.org or call +254724527104 

Certification

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a globally- recognized certificate.

Tailor-Made Course

 We also offer tailor-made courses based on your needs.

Key Notes

a. The participant must be conversant with English.

b. Upon completion of training the participant will be issued with an Authorized Training Certificate

c. Course duration is flexible and the contents can be modified to fit any number of days.

d. The course fee includes facilitation training materials, 2 coffee breaks, buffet lunch and A Certificate upon successful completion of Training.

e. One-year post-training support Consultation and Coaching provided after the course.

f. Payment should be done at least a week before commence of the training, to DATASTAT CONSULTANCY LTD account, as indicated in the invoice so as to enable us prepare better for you.