Natural capital is the world's stocks of natural assets, including plants, soil, air, water and all living things. Businesses are dependent on natural capital. The Economics of Ecosystem and Biodiversity (TEEB) found that insect pollinators contributed up to $190 billion per year to the agriculture sector’s economy alone.
There is increasing recognition that new business models are needed which work to sustain natural capital while also meeting the needs for better products and services. A number of initiatives exist to support businesses achieve these objectives, including the Natural Capital Coalition (NCC). The NCC and its partners have developed a Natural Capital Protocol that helps businesses identify, measure and value their direct and indirect impacts and dependencies on natural capital.