The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) Training Course

The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) Training Course

Introduction

The accelerating global decline of biodiversity and the degradation of ecosystems present a critical challenge to sustainable development and economic stability. The traditional economic models have long overlooked the immense value of natural capital, leading to misinformed decisions that deplete the very resources human societies and economies depend on. The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) initiative addresses this fundamental market failure by making the invisible value of nature visible. This course provides a comprehensive framework and practical toolkit to help policymakers, business leaders, and communities integrate biodiversity and ecosystem services values into their decision-making processes. It moves beyond abstract concepts to offer a tangible, action-oriented approach for valuing nature and fostering a transition towards a more sustainable and resilient future.

The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) Training Course is designed to empower professionals with the knowledge and skills to conduct robust natural capital assessments and apply a capitals approach to business and policy. Participants will learn how to identify, measure, and value the impacts and dependencies of their activities on nature and people. Through a blend of theoretical foundations and practical case studies, the program equips participants to champion true cost accounting, develop nature-positive strategies, and drive systemic change. By understanding the economic benefits of ecosystem-based solutions and the financial risks of biodiversity loss, participants will be able to make informed decisions that generate long-term value for their organizations and society at large.

Course Duration

5 days

Course Objectives

1. Integrate the values of biodiversity and ecosystem services into national and local policymaking, business strategies, and financial accounting.
2. Gain a deep understanding of the concept of natural capital and its direct and indirect contribution to human well-being and economic performance.
3. Learn and apply diverse economic valuation methods to assess the monetary and non-monetary value of ecosystem services.
4. Identify and evaluate policy and market-based instruments, such as Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES), subsidies, and taxes, to "capture" the value of nature.
5. Analyze the risks and opportunities for businesses stemming from their dependencies and impacts on natural capital.
6. Build compelling business cases for investing in biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration.
7. Implement the capitals approach (natural, social, human, and produced capital) to enable more holistic and integrated decision-making.
8. Systematically assess ecosystem services, their conditions, trends, and the trade-offs involved in development projects.
9. Identify and effectively engage with key stakeholders, from local communities to international policymakers, to ensure inclusive and equitable outcomes.
10. Apply the principles of true cost accounting to measure and report on the full costs and benefits of eco-agri-food systems.
11. Understand how TEEB aligns with and supports international frameworks like the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
12. Learn from a wide range of global case studies to understand the practical application of TEEB principles across different sectors and geographies.
13. Develop the skills to design and implement strategies that lead to nature-positive and socially just outcomes.

Organizational Benefits

• Organizations can make more informed, integrated decisions by accounting for their impacts and dependencies on natural capital, leading to improved long-term resilience and value creation.
• Proactively identify and mitigate financial risks associated with biodiversity loss, such as supply chain disruptions, reputational damage, and regulatory changes.
• Demonstrate a commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability, enhancing brand reputation and attracting environmentally conscious customers and investors.
• Gain a competitive edge by developing sustainable business models and innovative products that are aligned with a green economy and responsible investment trends.
• Unlock new funding opportunities from investors and financial institutions that increasingly require ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and natural capital risk disclosures.
• Prepare for emerging regulatory requirements and voluntary sustainability reporting standards related to biodiversity and natural capital.

Target Audience

1. Policymakers and Government Officials.
2. Business and Corporate Leaders.
3. Financial Sector Professionals.
4. Conservation and Development Practitioners.
5. Academics and Researchers.
6. Urban and Regional Planners.
7. Agricultural and Agri-food Sector Stakeholders.
8. Environmental Consultants.

Course Modules

Module 1: The Foundations of TEEB and Natural Capital

• Introduction to TEEB.
• Ecosystem Services.
• The Invisibility of Nature.
• Natural Capital Framework.
• Case Study: The value of mangrove ecosystems for coastal protection and fisheries in Southeast Asia.

Module 2: Valuing Ecosystems and Biodiversity

• Introduction to Economic Valuation
• Valuation Methods
• Valuation for Decision-Making.
• Valuation Pitfalls and Limitations.
• Case Study: Valuing the flood control services of a wetland in the United States versus the cost of building a man-made flood defense.

Module 3: Policy Instruments and Public Administration

• Integrating TEEB into Policy.
• Incentive Measures.
• Fiscal and Financial Reform.
• Decision Support Tools.
• Case Study: The implementation of a national PES scheme for watershed protection in Costa Rica.

Module 4: TEEB for Business and Enterprise

• Business Risks and Opportunities.
• Corporate Natural Capital Accounting.
• ESG and Biodiversity.
• Corporate Strategy.
• Case Study: A multinational corporationΓÇÖs use of TEEB-based assessments to de-risk its supply chain in a commodity-dependent sector like palm oil or coffee.

Module 5: TEEB in Agriculture and Food Systems (TEEBAgriFood)

• The Eco-Agri-Food System.
• True Cost Accounting (TCA).
• Valuing the Agri-Food Value Chain.
• Policy and Business Implications.
• Case Study: An assessment of a small-scale farming cooperative that has improved soil health and livelihoods through agroecological practices, demonstrating a positive return on natural and social capital.

Module 6: TEEB for Water and Wetlands

• Water Scarcity and Biodiversity.
• Valuing Water Services.
• Watershed Management.
• Policy and Governance.
• Case Study: A project in a developing country that demonstrates how restoring a degraded wetland provides economic benefits through improved water quality, reduced flood risk, and ecotourism.

Module 7: The TEEB Implementation Toolbox

• Step-by-Step Guidance.
• Data Collection and Analysis.
• Communication Strategies.
• Monitoring and Evaluation.
• Case Study: A city governmentΓÇÖs use of the TEEB for Cities manual to integrate green infrastructure planning into urban development.

Module 8: The Future of TEEB and the Green Economy

• Aligning with Global Goals
• Emerging Trends.
• Pathways to a Green Economy.
• Action Planning.
• Case Study: The development of a national biodiversity credit market that provides a new revenue stream for conservation efforts, based on TEEB valuation principles.

Training Methodology

This course employs an experiential and participatory learning approach. The methodology is designed to be highly interactive and practical, moving beyond traditional lecture-based formats. Key components include:

• Interactive Workshops.
• Case Study Analysis.
• Hands-on Activities.
• Peer-to-Peer Learning.
• Guest Speaker Sessions.
• Mentorship and Coaching.

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.