Regional Workshop on Measuring Natural Resources in the National Accounts

In many countries natural resources—such as mineral and energy resources, timber, land, water, and aquatic resources—play a central role in supporting economic development. The management of natural resources is also relevant to sustainable development and long‑term economic resilience. As countries increasingly prioritize green growth, low‑carbon transitions, and efficient resource management, the demand for high quality and timely statistics on natural resource stocks and flows continues to rise. The main statistical frameworks for measuring natural resources are the System of National Accounts (SNA) and the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA). 

The System of National Accounts (SNA) provides the overarching framework for compiling information about the economy. In 2025, the UN Statistical Commission adopted the latest version of the SNA (2025 SNA) which, among others, provides a broader framework to account for elements affecting well-being and sustainability. The 2025 SNA includes several key changes when it comes to measurement of natural resources such as recording depletion as a cost of production, a revision of the asset classification with explicit recognition of renewable energy resources, and adoption of splitting of asset ownership.