Source: Cemex, S.A.B. de C.V.

Cemex presented "The Wealth of Nature," the 17th title in the company's Conservation Book Series at a gathering in Copenhagen on Dec. 15, at the European Parliament in Brussels on Dec. 1, and at the Wild9 Conference in Merida, Mexico on Nov. 9. The ceremonies were attended by Julia Marton-Lefèvre–Director General of The International Union for Conservation of Nature; Russ Mittermeier, President of Conservation International; Armando Garcia Executive Vice President of Technology, Energy and Sustainability at Cemex; as well as other government and non government organization representatives.

CEMEX, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Conservation International (CI), the International League of Conservation Photographers (ILCP) and The Wild Foundation worked together to complete this new book

IUCN Director General, Julia Marton-Lefèvre, who wrote the foreword of the book said, “We now recognize that the climate will change, posing new challenges and threats to nature. Conserving biodiversity will play a key role in our ability to adapt to these changes. This book is a bridge between negotiations on a climate deal at Copenhagen and the launch of the International Year of Biodiversity in 2010.”

More than 20 essays by some of the most distinguished scientists working in conservation are compiled in this publication, highlighting that unsustainable economic growth has put a burden on nature’s capacity to deliver clean water, fresh air, medicines and climate regulation, among other benefits. Assigning a financial value to them is the key to mend some of the environmental impact of human activities. The book is a celebration nature’s ecological services and demonstrates in detail how they contribute to our health, economic prosperity, and cultural values.

Available for $58, "The Wealth of Nature" is illustrated with hundreds of full-color photographs by a host of world-renowned nature photographers, including noted wildlife photographer Frans Lanting, the award-winning Jenny E. Ross and endangered species photographer Joel Sartore. The book can be ordered at: www.thewealthofnature.org