2026 Economy of Life Report

Twenty-Three Years of Impact for People and the Planet

For 23 years, we have worked to put a price and value on natural capital. Our 2026 Economy of Life report explores how that vision is taking root, connecting restoration, finance, and long-term stewardship to create lasting value across air, land, and water. From reforestation in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley to living shorelines and oyster reefs in the Chesapeake Bay, discover the people, partnerships, and projects helping build an economy that recognizes nature’s worth.

Putting Nature’s Value to Work

Restoration begins with a seed, but its future depends on the systems that help it grow. This year’s report looks at what it takes to finance restoration over decades, strengthen trust through transparent data, and make conservation economically viable for landowners and communities.

Restoration Finance
and Market Growth

How public and private capital can support long-term stewardship, alongside ten ideas for advancing voluntary carbon markets.

Transparency
and Trust

How better access to project data strengthens verification, market confidence, and demand for measurable environmental outcomes.

Projects, Stories
and Partnerships

Stories of reforestation, living shorelines, golf course conversion, and oyster reef development, and the people and partnerships making them possible.

Twenty-Three Years of Impact for People and the Planet

Putting Nature’s Value to Work

Restoration Financeand Market Growth

Transparencyand Trust

Projects, Storiesand Partnerships

Restoration Finance
and Market Growth

Transparency
and Trust

Projects, Stories
and Partnerships