Accounting for Nature

Our wellbeing, economy and society depends on nature, but it is under pressure with increasing levels of biodiversity loss in Ireland. This project explores how Ireland is accounting for nature in Irish policy and the development of natural capital accounting.

Drawing on the recent climate and agriculture project, this project aims to identify the operational, administrative, policy and governance challenges and opportunities from using a natural capital accounting approach. To engage with policy makers and stakeholders, three high-level policy dialogues were held in May and June 2023. These included a focus on understanding the benefits and perspectives of valuing and accounting for nature; agro-ecological accounting in agriculture, forestry and other land use; and operational challenges in the development of natural capital accounts in Ireland, how accounts might be used and the enabling policy framework that is required.

A report will be prepared for the Council in the autumn. The project will be completed in 2023.