East Africa’s natural capital – its iconic wildlife, forests, grasslands and waterways – spans across national boundaries, industry sectors and habitat types, delivering ecosystem services on which many stakeholder groups are mutually dependent. As such, valuing and protecting the region's natural capital must occur not only at the site or sectoral level, but rather at the landscape level.
This preliminary synthesis report includes the mapping, quantification and qualification of natural capital across wildlife, habitats, grasslands and waterways, as measured by impact on economic and human well-being. These ecosystems regulate water flow, reduce pollution, support wildlife, pollinate crops and store carbon that mitigate damage from climate change.
The findings will enable stakeholders to make more informed decisions about how to govern natural resources in the same manner as other forms of capital, such as produced goods and services.