Natural Economy

In recent years, thinking on green infrastructure has moved from ecology to economics. Resources such as the countryside, coast, wetlands, urban parks, street trees and their ecosystems are seen as critical for sustainable economic growth and social goals, not just a way of supporting wildlife and 'the environment'.

A key challenge for policymakers and economic development practitioners has been how to shape a strong economic case for environmental improvements. 'Green' issues might be very attractive, it's argued, but where are the economic benefits? What difference will they make to jobs, health and the economic strength of areas struggling with deprivation and social problems?

New research from ECOTEC and AMION brings together a wealth of evidence from many disciplines and provides strong grounds for seeing green infrastructure as adding real value to the Northwest's economy.

The research highlights green infrastructure's role in economic prosperity and stability, with a direct gross value added (GVA) from the environment calculated at £2.6bn, supporting 109,000 jobs in environmental and related fields.

Other benefits include long-term employment, better health, more engaging education and social cohesion. Green infrastructure, the reports show, should be central to economic and environmental policy.

These savings include a reduced need for healthcare, better employee productivity and better adaptation for climate change. The research also shows how more credible and consistent tests and measures are being developed to assess the value of green infrastructure projects.

The 11 economic benefits of green infrastructure are summarised in this diagram.

It emphasises, too, that green infrastructure is dynamic - it must be strategically planned for, invested in and managed at local and regional levels, if it is to function in underpinning and providing for a prosperous and sustainable economic future.

This management requires in-depth understanding of the role green infrastructure plays throughout our everyday lives, and of the need for co-ordination and co-operation across political, sector and administrative boundaries.

For a demonstration of how these benefits can be delivered through exemplar natural environment projects take a look at our case studies.

• Green Infrastructure Diagram [24kb]