Restoring SA's natural capital - a pathway to sustainability

Abstract

Natural resources Natural capital is an economic metaphor for the stock of physical and biological natural resources. These resources comprise renewable natural capital, non-renewable natural capital, replenishable natural capital, and cultivated natural capital. Once the capital stock has been depleted it is no longer possible to produce stream flows; i.e. ecosystem services, which are invaluable and essential for life on Earth for all species. It is from this point of view that natural and social scientists begin investigating the restoration of natural capital and the impact thereof on ecosystem services and the change in human well-being. The science and theory behind restoration have been widely researched, and it has been implemented to some extent by various industries. For example, mines have to restore the environment to a certain level before a closure certificate can be obtained, relieving the mining company of its financial and statutory obligation toward the government, society and the land.

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