It is estimated that over half of the world’s GDP is dependent on nature. As such, economic stability is closely tied to ecosystem health. The “biodiversity economy” shifts the focus to conserving, restoring and sustainably using biodiversity as a core component of economic development.Unlike traditional approaches that often view nature as an endless resource, the biodiversity economy acknowledges the critical role of Earth’s diverse life forms in supporting human survival and economic prosperity. The approach aims to protect and restore ecosystems while creating economic opportunities that benefit both people and the planet. (UNEP, 2025) Biodiversity enables Nature to be productive, resilient and adaptable. Just as diversity within a portfolio of financial assets reduces risk and uncertainty, so diversity within a portfolio of natural assets increases Nature’s resilience to shocks, reducing the risks to Nature’s services. Reduce biodiversity, and Nature and humanity suffer (The Economics of Biodiversity, The Dasgupta Review, 2021). Biodiversity loss also has profound economic consequences, particularly in sectors like agriculture, fisheries and healthcare. It is estimated that the global economic impact of biodiversity loss amounts to US$ 10 trillion annually, including healthcare costs from increased disease transmission and agricultural losses from pollinator declines. For example, the decline in bee populations, which are responsible for pollinating crops worth over US$ 235 billion annually, threatens global food security and nutrition. (WHO, 2025)
See also Biodiversity and trade 2021 and Biodiversity and finance 2022
