Heart of Borneo: Investing in Nature for a Green Economy

Posted on November, 20 2013

Managing forests sustainably needs to become a universal political priority. Protecting biodiversity protects all our futures and the Heart of Borneo can be an example to the world of how this can be achieved.

Until now we have put almost no effort in calculating the value of the Borneo forests. It takes the first steps towards quantifying the unseen value of nature in the Heart of Borneo and tells us that with concerted action, a green development pathway is indeed possible, with greater benefits for everybody, including indigenous communities and the poor. It presents a beacon of hope, with conservation, development and economic growth going hand in hand.

In order to implement its message, the real value of natural capital must be reflected in btoh fiscal planning and the prices of goods and services. There must be financial incentives to stimulate the proper husbandry of natural resources, with realistic valuations given to the crucial issue of the growth of low-carbon markets and sustainable, pro-poor economies. Carbon finance through REDD+ can be a key mechanism to safeguard the forests and unlock their true value.

Governments must take the lead and work with civil society, indigenous groups and the private sector to make sustainable forest management financially worthwhile. The Heart of Borneo is an excellent place to begin. We urgently need a new path towards a sustainable future-one which places a true economic value on nature's gifts and the role they play in providing us with the necessities of life.

This report will help us to get closer to creating the green economies that will ensure food, water and energy security for all.

(Extracted from Foreword by Sir David Attenborough in the synthesis report)

Heart of Borneo: Investing in Nature for a Green Economy has been developed in support of the three-country Heart of Borneo (HoB) Initiative. It includes three products: the main report - Heart of Borneo: Investing in Nature for a Green Economy, the synthesis report and a related website. (www.hobgreeneconomy.org)

Heart of Borneo: Investing in Nature. HoBGI