@misc{37838,
title = {Contributions of Natural Capital Approaches to the Implementation of Public Policies in Chile (Final Report)},
author = {Angarita, Héctor and Pasten, Roberto and Araos, Ana Luisa and De la Vega, Xaviera and Vogl, Adrian  and Fournies, Paula and López, Ignacia  and Shee, Álvaro  and Callau, Vanessa and Llaguno, Duval and Murguia, Juan M. and Saavedra, Valentina and Del Rio Arteaga, Mariana Teresita Carmen},
editor = {Kimbrell, Elana},
year = {2026},
doi = {10.18235/0013964},
abstract = {The Natural Capital Valuation Pilot Project in Chiles Bueno River Basin demonstrates how Natural Capital Approaches (NCA) can be applied to support territorial public policy and decision-making. The initiative addresses a key information gap identified by Chiles Natural Capital Committee by integrating biophysical, economic, and regulatory data into a practical framework for managing natural capital. Through ecosystem service modeling, economic valuation, and spatial analysis, the project quantified and mapped six priority ecosystem services, estimating that the basins natural capital generates approximately US$496 million in annual benefits, particularly through climate regulation, sediment retention, and water regulation.

The project also explored how natural capital information can be integrated into public policy instruments, particularly Law No. 21,600, which established the Biodiversity and Protected Areas Service (SBAP), and its Biodiversity Compensation Instrument. By combining ecological, economic, and regulatory criteria, the study identified priority restoration areas that maximize ecosystem service co-benefits, align with biodiversity compensation requirements, and minimize opportunity costs. A complementary analysis of the regulatory framework highlighted information needs, institutional gaps, and opportunities for incorporating natural capital considerations into biodiversity compensation planning and implementation.

The findings demonstrate that Natural Capital Approaches can improve the efficiency, transparency, and traceability of biodiversity compensation measures while supporting broader environmental and development objectives. The methodology provides a replicable framework that can be adapted to other regions and scaled nationally, helping strengthen integrated natural capital management across Chile. Key recommendations include translating technical findings into concrete institutional actions, enhancing interagency coordination and technical capacity, and advancing interoperable data governance systems to support evidence-based decision-making and the recognition of nature as a strategic asset for sustainable development, productivity, and competitiveness.},
url = {https://doi.org/10.18235/0013964}
}