In The Swing

February has arrived and the Ecosystem Marketplace is happy to report that 2007 is officially in full swing for us. Carbon trading is now in the news on a daily basis and new ideas are percolating around water quality trading and biodiversity investment vehicles as well. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced its plans to invest in market-based conservation through the 2007 Farm Bill, and private sector organizations are stepping up to get involved.

Part of 2007, of course, is recognizing the progress made in 2006. Accordingly, The Ecosystem Marketplace is happy to advertise the Ecological Society of America’s annual Corporate Award. The prize is given to recognize a corporation, business, division, program, or an individual of a company for accomplishments in incorporating sound ecological concepts, knowledge, and practices into planning and operating procedures. This award was designed to encourage use of ecological concepts in business and private industry and to enhance communication among ecologists in the private sector. Educational institutions and government agencies are not eligible for this award, which can be made each year in any one of the following six categories: environmental education; stewardship of land resources; resource recycling; amelioration of risks from hazardous and toxic substances; sustainability of biological resources in terrestrial environments; and sustainability of biological resources in aquatic environments. If you know of a private-sector organization that has done its part to advance sound ecological practices in the past year, please send your nominations to Amanda Hawn: ahawn@ecosystemmarketplace.com.

We hope you enjoy the latest news and features below.

— The Ecosystem Marketplace Team

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