Summary
A global modelling study aiming to identify the most important ecosystems for nature’s contributions to people (NCP). Authors chose 14 distinct NCP which cover key benefits like food security, water, materials, hazards and culture and span development and climate goals. NCP were also chosen for their ability to be mappable with spatially explicit data. The paper identifies critical natural assets that provide 90% of global NCP, but cover 30% of the land. The authors argue there is increased incentive to conserve these areas, some of which are not currently under any form or protection.