Ecological footprint services

'The challenge for countries in Asia and the Pacific is to manage their natural capital sustainably, so that they maintain ecosystem services in the interests of long-term economic development.'

- Jim Leape, Director General, World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)

The widespread loss of natural ecosystems and biodiversity is much more than a conservation issue. Natural ecosystems provide socially and economically valuable services - such as food and fiber resources, clean water and climate regulation - that are fundamental to human welfare, but are often overlooked in decision-making processes.

Produced through a partnership between ADB and WWF International, this report provides examples of promising approaches for sustainably managing natural capital in the region. These are based on experiences from four important regional cooperation initiatives, which demonstrate the commitment of the participating governments to protecting the integrity of natural ecosystems while improving livelihoods and reducing poverty.

Contents

• Foreword
• Executive Summary
• Introduction: Linking People with Their Planet
• Living on Our Planet: The Ecological Footprint of People and Nations
• State of Key Ecosystems in Asia and the Pacific
• Regional Initiatives to Sustain Natural Capital

• Ecological footprint examples
• Ecological footprint measures
• Ecological footprint Articles