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This guidance aims to provide an accessible and easily navigable resource for users wanting to carry out a comprehensive assessment of the environmental, social and economic characteristics of their local marine area. It is based on a natural capital approach framework.
The natural capital approach is a framework for decision-making that considers the importance of the natural environment for people and the economy. The approach recognises that nature underpins human wealth, health, wellbeing, and culture and that, therefore, the natural environment, society and the economy are complex systems that are inextricably linked. Natural capital approaches are used for a wide range of purposes (see Natural Capital Overview section).
The guidance allows you to learn more about the natural capital approach and how to apply it to marine and coastal environments. We have tried to simplify the guidance for non-expert users as far as possible and provide links to further examples and resources that provide further explanations but may be more technical.
The guidance:
*Note: Not all steps in the guidance are essential. The purpose of your assessment and where you are starting from in terms of data, expertise and other resources will determine what parts of the guide and assessment steps you will be interested in.
The guidance is based around six themes as shown in the diagram below (natural capital assessment themes). For each theme, the guidance provides:
Your aassessment objectives and resources (time, expertise, budget and evidence) will determine your approach. For each element in the guidance sections, where possible we present options that range from basic, to ‘better’ and ‘best’ approaches: Basic approaches: typically require a few days to apply and use readily available evidence or other resources Better approaches: build on the basic approach but may require more extensive data gathering and more expertise. Typically may require a few weeks and supporting resources. Best approaches: require more time and expertise but yield greater depth of information. They may focus on gathering primary (new) data rather than relying on secondary sources.
Note: Basic, Better and Best refer to the level of resource required not the quality of outputs. In many cases a basic approach will meet user needs, however the depth of knowledge gained about natural capital will generally increase with more resources. Projects may mix elements of each approach, for example a best approach to natural capital assets and a basic approach to valuation.
Project team: This website was delivered by the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, development of the guidance was led by ICF in collaboration with Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML), AVS Developments and Mindfully Wired, The project concept was developed by Natural England, and funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) through the Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment (NCEA) programme.
Acknowedgements: The guidance was shaped and supported by a wide range of experts and organisations via attendance at workshops, webinars and review of outputs. They are too numerous to thank individually and their input is gratefully acknowledged by the project team and Natural England.
Disclaimer: Natural England commission a range of reports from external contractors to provide evidence and advice to assist us in delivering our duties. The views in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of Natural England. The information and recommended approaches were developed based on extensive review and consultation with experts with every effort made to ensure they are correct. However, neither Natural England nor any other person involved in the project gives any warrant or undertakings as to or accepts liability for the accuracy and currency of the information provided, the data products, or any other purpose for which the information may be used.
To cite this data tool: Natural England. 2025. Marine Natural Capital Assessment Guidance. 2025. Available from: Archive for Marine Species and Habitats Data (DASSH). (InteractiveResource). https://doi
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