Defra launches online resource to guide company environmental policy decisions

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has launched a new online resource based on natural capital analysis to guide organisations in environmental policy decisions.

The Enabling a Natural Capital Approach (ENCA) project provides information and analytical methods which, according to Defra, will “build capacity among users to assess and value the natural environment” and “reduce search costs for analysts and decision makers.”

Natural capital refers to the full value in all ecosystems including and beyond the direct economic returns. Defra has claimed ENCA will assist organisations “to protect and boost natural capital.”