TEEB emerging at the country level: Challenges and opportunities

Since the presentation of its international reports at the 2010 Convention on Biological Diversity Conference of Parties, TEEB (The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity)-an international multi-stakeholder initiative-has been taken up in a number of countries to initiate TEEB Country Studies (TCSs). Their common aim is to take stock of natural capital, to reveal its social and economic values and to provide a basis for policy making that fosters sustainable use of ecosystem services. Depending on national circumstances and needs, TCSs differ substantially in terms of scope, ecosystem services, stakeholder involvement, sectors and policies considered etc. Key challenges faced in implementation include policy relevance, and a number of technical, methodological and conceptual issues. Integrating TEEB into existing and emerging national to local development strategies can provide substantial synergies, and linking TCSs with international or regional ecosystem initiatives and policies may add further value to advance methodological and policy issues related to ecosystems and biodiversity. Factors and interactions are depicted in a framework for TEEB implementation at country level. With a view at its pathway, we conclude that TEEB developed from an international study to a demand driven process which supports policy development and implementation at various levels.