Natural capital — including resources like water, forests, fisheries, rivers and wildlife — represents a critical asset, especially for lower income countries, where it makes up a significant share of total wealth. However, the full contribution of natural capital is not captured in traditional economic measures like GDP; as a result, natural resources are being depleted at an unsustainable rate.

African governments are using a tool called natural capital accounting to measure and value their resources for better policy decisions. Through the Gaborone Declaration for Sustainability in Africa, countries are looking beyond national borders to preserve and manage Africa's vast natural wealth for future generations.

This video was produced by the Gaborone Declaration for Sustainability in Africa, Conservation International, and WAVES.