Organised by the Devon Maritime Forum in partnership with SWEEP, North Devon Marine Pioneer and WWF UK Seas, this free event will introduce the notion of natural capital to a range of marine business and organisations from across the South West.

What is Natural Capital?

As a region, the South West of England is hugely dependent on its natural capital, and particularly its marine natural capital, for its economic prosperity.

Its outstanding marine environment and abundant marine assets provide the natural capital upon which many key regional industries, including the fishing/aquaculture; marine renewable; and marine and coastal tourism/leisure sectors, are built. Given the scale and importance of marine natural capital to the South West’s economy combined with the region’s world-leading expertise in marine science and environmental economics, it is not surprising that the South West of England has emerged as a global pioneer in implementing and testing the natural capital approach.

About the day

The first conference of its kind, the South West Marine Natural Capital Conference will provide an excellent opportunity for leading practitioners, businesses and interested stakeholders to learn more about natural capital, the natural capital approach, and the region’s marine and coastal assets. Central to the day will be the showcasing of the Marine Pioneer, SWEEP and UK SEAS projects and the unique opportunity to learn about and engage with the individual projects and as well as to explore their common themes, challenges and ambitions.

The morning will see a number of key presentations from experts on utilising natural capital, and applying it to marine environments.

**Speaker announcement** Tony Juniper
Tony Juniper is a campaigner, writer, sustainability advisor, and leading British environmentalist. Tony has written several books, including the multi-award winning best-seller What has Nature ever done for us?, and works as a Special Adviser to the Prince of Wales’s International Sustainability Unit.

Tony will kick start the morning sessions with his introduction to what natural capital does for us in the UK.

The afternoon will involve a choice of breakout sessions for participation.

A free buffet lunch is included.

Who should attend?

Anyone with an interest in the marine environment or marine economy. The event will help delegates to understand how a natural capital approach to valuing our marine assets can be beneficially adopted in a range of situations.