Core Benefits Framework

The Core Benefits Framework extends Nature's Core Benefits by incorporating ecosystem and land cover classifications, alongside the tangible dimension of real assets, to render natural capital investable.

Ecological Stocks & Flows

The benefits nature provides are commonly referred to as environmental assets which are comprised of stocks and flows. Ecosystem services are the "flows" and ecosystem assets are the "stocks" of those benefits.

The valuation of these stocks and flows is paramount for ecosystem protection and restoration. Serving as the basis for proper valuation, we conducted an exhaustive review of over 120 Ecosystem Services, Natural Capital, Land Cover, and Real Assets classification and valuation frameworks.

Real assets in a nature framework? It's strategic. In a world of rules, we turn legal 'limitations' into tools for sustainable impact. Laws aren't barriers; they're opportunities.

The Core Benefits Framework identifies 14 "stocks" of ecosystems and 21 "flows" of ecological benefits.

Ecosystem STOCKS	Core Benefits FLOWS
Cultivated & Developed	Raw Materials
Urban Open Space	Food
Rural Open Space	Energy
Rivers & Lakes	Water Abundance
Inland Wetlands	Healthy Soils
Tropical Forests	Medicinal & Genetic
Temperate Forests	Climate Stability
Boreal Forests	Clean Air
Coastal Systems	Clean Water
Grasslands	Risk Resilience
Shrublands	Pollination
Tropical Forests	Erosion Control
Desert	Pest & Disease Control
Subterranean	Habitat
	Recreation & Experiences
	Research & Learning
	Aesthetic & Sensory
	Art & Inspiration
	Existence & Legacy
	Land Utilization
	Resource Utilization

---

Detailed methodology available in the Appendix