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Natural Capital Initiative

The Natural Capital Initiative (NCI) is a partnership between three leading scientific organisations in the UK: the Royal Society of Biology, the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, and the James Hutton Institute.

NCI's mission is to support decision-making that results in the sustainable management of our natural capital. The goal is to ensure policy and practice regarding natural capital is based on the best available evidence and advice from across the natural and social sciences, encompassing inputs from academia, policy, business, and the civil society. 

Since its inception in 2009, the NCI has organised numerous workshops, seminars, and dialogue sessions to discuss the value of nature and its services to people. NCI’s 'Valuing our life support systems' conferences have brought together influencers across academia, policy, business, and the civil society to shape the conversation around natural capital.


Events

Upcoming events

Sign up for our latest workshop Making more from your urban green infrastructure goals taking place online on 5 November 2026. Register your interest or download a flier for further information.


Recent events

Our programme of webinars has focused on issues such as marine natural capital, embedding natural capital in infrastructure development, and reversing biodiversity decline. 

Our latest NCI workshop brought together sector experts and representatives to discuss how to balance climate, food, and nature policy targets across the UK. 

You can watch previous NCI webinars and workshop talks via the RSB YouTube Channel.

Outputs and publications

A full list of publications from the NCI can be found through the RSB's Policy Resource Library. Just search for 'Natural Capital Initiative' or 'NCI'. 


NCI Governance

The NCI Secretariat consists of representatives from our three partner organisations. We are advised by the NCI steering group of experts in environmental science, health, and economics. The Secretary for the NCI is provided by the RSB.
  • Kieran Woof MRSB, Royal Society of Biology
  • Professor Laurence Jones, UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology
  • Simone Martino, The James Hutton Institute
  • Dr Sarah Kemmitt, UN Environment Programme Finance Initiative
  • Prof Edward Maltby, Professor Emeritus of Wetland Science, Water, and Ecosystem Management, University of Liverpool; Chair, Sibthorp Trust; Trustee, Tees Rivers Trust
  • Dr Elizabeth Warham FRSB, Impact and Strategy Manager, The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Contact and collaborate with us

If you would like to find out more information about the work of the Natural Capital Initiative, or discuss any collaboration opportunities, please contact nci@rsb.org.uk

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Learn more about RSB's policy work