naturgrunnlag

Naturgrunnlag, or natural basis, is a concept used in Norwegian environmental economics and policy to describe the natural resources and environmental conditions that underpin human welfare and economic activity. It encompasses both tangible stock resources—such as land, soil, water, minerals, and energy—and the living and non-living ecosystem properties that enable services like food production, clean water, climate regulation, pollination, cultural and recreational value, and overall resilience of society.

Components include renewable and non-renewable resources, ecosystems, and the ecosystem services they provide. Examples are forests, fisheries, farmland, minerals, fresh water, air quality, biodiversity, and climate regulation. The naturgrunnlag is often treated as a form of natural capital—stocks that generate welfare over time if managed sustainably.

Policy relevance: The concept is used in sustainability assessments and long-term planning to emphasise that current consumption should not erode the capacities of future generations. Governments and researchers monitor indicators such as biodiversity, soil health, water resources, pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions to gauge the state of naturgrunnlag and to guide reforms.

Management and challenges: Maintaining naturgrunnlag requires sustainable resource use, conservation, ecosystem restoration, and integration of nature-based solutions into policy and land-use planning. Pressures include habitat loss, pollution, overexploitation, and climate change, which can reduce productivity and resilience of the natural basis.

Examples and relevance: Healthy forests, clean rivers, biodiversity, fertile soil, sustainable fisheries, and climate-regulating ecosystems all contribute to the naturgrunnlag and support long-term economic and social resilience.