Biodiversity loss could have profound implications for future economic and social development resulting from fewer options for future generations, threats to various forms of economic production and diminishing amenities. Measuring biodiversity loss is complex, and this lack of clarity concerning its benefits makes it difficult to develop political support for its protection.

From ecosystems to genetic resources, biodiversity is argued by many to be under pressure. Yet considerable potential remains for economic instruments to conserve biodiversity and promote its sustainable use. These instruments include market creation, removal of biodiversity-adverse subsidies, creation of property rights, and the provision of better market information through valuation techniques.

The OECD also sees international approaches as a major element of the policy response to biodiversity conservation. Via its Working Group on Economic Aspects of Biodiversity, the OECD has been an active participant in the Convention on Biological Diversity (see www.biodiv.org) process, specifically within the themes of incentive measures and access and benefit sharing of genetic resources.

The OECD has produced two flagship publications in biodiversity, the Handbook of Incentive Measures for Biodiversity, and the Handbook of Biodiversity Valuation. The OECD also works on other areas of biodiversity, in particular market creation, and seeks active partnerships with other international organizations such as The World Bank Institute and the NGO-based IUCN.