Announcing the 45th TB Macaulay lecture: Professor Gretchen C. Daily - Valuing nature for transformation: innovations in policy, finance and practice around the world.

The Macaulay Development Trust is delighted to present the 45th TB Macaulay lecture which will be delivered by globally renowned environmental expert, Professor Gretchen C. Daily on Tuesday, September 10 at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre.

Presented in partnership with The James Hutton Institute; the event aims to connect scientific evidence with civic society around critical issues affecting land and people.

Professor Daily is co-founder and Faculty Director of the Stanford Natural Capital Project, Bing Professor of Environmental Science and Director of the Center for Conservation Biology at Stanford University; and is also a member of the First Minister’s Environment Council in Scotland.

In her lecture, she will describe how important it is to understand human dependence on nature, from the material basics such as nutrition, health, climate security and economic security, to the more ethereal concepts of belonging, beauty, and spirit. She will argue that being able to access and action this understanding is crucial when it comes to making the necessary transformations in society and in taking the decisions required to secure the biosphere and our human future.

Speaking about the forthcoming lecture, Professor Daily said: “I am thrilled to be delivering this year’s TB Macaulay Lecture and to be sharing my research and experience working with decision-makers on the role of natural capital in transitioning towards a more sustainable economy and society.

“I have long been an admirer of Scotland’s reputation for public debate and willingness to learn from other countries when it comes to environmental issues and look forward to the lecture and ensuing discussion. I do hope you can join me.”

Joe Moore, Chair of the Macaulay Development Trust, said: “Understanding our dependence on a thriving natural environment and our impact on it for good or ill is essential if we are to willingly embrace lifestyle change to protect it for our mutual welfare.

“We are truly fortunate to have Professor Gretchen Daily sharing her research findings with us on how we might better translate understanding into transformative action. I do hope you can join us.”

Professor Colin Campbell, CEO at The James Hutton Institute, said: “Scotland’s natural capital is valued in the billions, and we need a collective approach between public, private and voluntary sector organisations to manage our natural environment in a sustainable way.

“Having a scientist with Gretchen’s reputation speak about their research is a huge coup for Scotland and I hope that as many people as possible will seize this opportunity to come along and learn more from this globally renowned speaker.”

The lecture will begin at 6pm, there will be a pre-lecture exhibition available to view from 5pm and all ticket holders will be invited to attend the post-lecture reception at 7.30pm.

Reserve your free ticket now.