What does the term 'natural capital' refer to?

The term 'natural capital' refers specifically to the stock of natural resources and ecosystems that provide essential goods and services necessary for survival and economic activity. This includes resources such as forests, water, soils, and biodiversity, which not only contribute to the environment but also support human health and well-being.

Natural capital is vital because it encompasses the natural assets from which society derives a variety of benefits, including raw materials, recreation, clean air, and climate regulation. By understanding and valuing natural capital, we can better appreciate the importance of ecosystems in sustaining both ecological balance and human economies.

The other options do not encompass the definition accurately. While human-created resources and economic systems are important in their own right, they do not fall under the realm of natural capital. Financial capital invested in environmental projects relates more to funding aspects rather than the intrinsic value of nature itself.