"Urban parks and their attractions are worth up to £300 per person each year"
"The National Ecosystem Assessment (NEA) says that for decades, the emphasis has been on producing more food and other goods - but this has harmed other parts of nature that generate hidden wealth."
"The natural world is vital to our existence, providing us with essentials such as food, water and clean air - but also cultural and health benefits not always fully appreciated because we get them for free," said Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-13616543
Well it's easy to be cynical - very cynical. A report commissioned by a government, this (UK) government, now. Governments (UK and Scottish) are also keen at the moment to 'reduce planning red tape' to make developent (especially major ones) easier.
Will this lead to more MIMBYism (good or bad), lead to a better appreciation/value of 'nature' - not least in urban areas, or just be another pile of paper left on a shelf?
(Also - "Maintaining the UK's green spaces would reap at least £30bn a year in health and welfare benefits, according to the first attempt to put a price on the natural environment."
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/jun/02/uk-ecosystem-assessment-warning )
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