Scientists from IFPRI and Bioversity have contributed to "The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) for Agriculture & Food: Scientific and Economic Foundations," published by UN Environment.
Natural predators of agricultural pests are cheaper and safer than insecticides
Farmers can save US$300 million by doubling ladybird density in cotton fields
However, biological pest control isn’t always a viable substitute
“By putting a value on this free service (provided by ladybirds) we invite people to think more carefully about what we get from nature and how we may be affected if we lose it — or if it continues to be poorly managed”
Wei Zhang, International Food Policy Research Institute