In “The Hidden Economy of Nature,” Erik Grigoryan delves into the crucial yet often overlooked relationship between nature and the economy. He emphasizes that our economic systems depend heavily on the natural world, which provides invaluable resources like clean air, water, and biodiversity. Grigoryan highlights the concept of ecosystem services—benefits that nature offers, often taken for granted, that sustain human life and economic activity.
Through compelling examples, he illustrates how unrecognized and undervalued natural resources can lead to significant environmental degradation and financial loss. Grigoryan calls for a shift in perspective: recognizing nature not merely as a backdrop for economic growth but as an essential partner in creating a sustainable future. He advocates for integrating ecological insights into economic policies and decision-making to pave the way for harmonizing human progress with environmental preservation. By fostering a deeper understanding of this “hidden economy,” Grigoryan aims to inspire individuals and policy-makers to rethink their relationship with the natural world for the benefit of both humanity and the planet.
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Author Video Description
In this compelling interview, Erik Grigoryan explores why Armenia’s exceptional biodiversity matters not just for nature lovers, but for the world at large. He explains how Armenia belongs to two of the world’s major biodiversity hotspots and how this rich natural heritage provides crucial services to local communities. Erik sheds light on the hidden economic value of ecosystems and the urgent need to protect them. This talk makes the case for stronger environmental policy, smarter financing, and broader public awareness.
Erik Grigoryan is the Special Envoy of the Armenian Government on Debt-for-Climate negotiations and Founder & CEO of the Environment Group. With over 20 years of experience in environmental policy and climate finance, he has held key roles in government and international frameworks. From 2018 to 2020, he served as Armenia’s Minister of Environment, chaired the CIS Interstate Ecological Council, and acted as Armenia’s focal point for the UNFCCC, GEF, and Green Climate Fund. His expertise centers on environmental economics and climate finance. He holds a PhD in Environmental Economics. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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Video “The Hidden Economy of Nature | Erik Grigoryan | TEDxYerevanSalon” was uploaded on 08/08/2025 to Youtube Channel TEDx Talks