The global decline of biodiversity and ecosystem services is a development issue: Economies, particularly in low-income countries, cannot afford the risk of collapse in the services provided by nature. To achieve sustainable growth, better natural resource management, environmentally-friendly fiscal policies, greener financial markets, and effective waste management programs are needed globally. The world’s ecosystems regulate the air, water, and soil on which we all depend, and form a unique and cost-effective buffer against extreme weather events and climate change.

A clean environment is also key to ensure that people can lead healthy and productive lives, and that public and private resources can be invested in advancing development instead of remediating pollution.

When managed well, renewable natural resources, watersheds, productive landscapes, and seascapes provide the foundation for sustained inclusive growth, food security, poverty reduction, and human wellbeing. Natural resources provide livelihoods for billions of people.

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