Ecosystem Services and Conservation

Stanford researchers are continually expanding our knowledge of the links between human well-being and healthy ecosystems. Woods advances these efforts by supporting interdisciplinary researchers as well as centers and programs like the Natural Capital Project (NatCap). This joint venture of the Stanford Woods Institute, The Nature Conservancy, the World Wildlife Fund and the University of Minnesota Institute on the Environment develops new science and open-source software tools for quantifying nature’s values and assessing trade-offs associated with alternative land and water use choices. These tools help integrate conservation and human development into land and water use and investment decisions. NatCap's model engages leaders in key government agencies and corporations in the U.S. and abroad to ensure that information produced is immediately relevant for decisions. The project provides these decision-makers with cutting-edge research, a network of support, and practical approaches and tools to create solutions that benefit people and nature. Read on for highlights from the work researchers with NatCap and other Woods centers and programs are doing to help businesses, governments and other institutions make informed decisions about nature's contributions to a thriving economy and healthy society.

In The News

Can You Prescribe Nature?

Discusses research, co-authored by Senior Fellow Gretchen Daily (Biology) on the mental health benefits of time in nature
July 8, 2015 - By Helen Briggs, BBC News

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How Walking in Nature Prevents Depression

Features research on nature's effect on rumination co-authored by Senior Fellow Gretchen Daily  
June 30, 2015 - By Olga Khazan, The Atlantic

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New Research Suggests Nature Walks Are Good for Your Brain

Discusses research co-authored by Senior Fellow Gretchen Daily
June 29, 2015 - By Chris Mooney, Washington Post

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The “Sixth Extinction” Adds Urgency to Habitat and Climate Protection

Discusses a study co-authored by Senior Fellow Paul Ehrlich (Humanities and Sciences) on how humans have created the sixth mass extinction, and...
June 24, 2015 - By Sandra Postel, National Geographic Voices

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