Protecting nature in Southeast Asia could create jobs and generate wealth across the region, says a study from the Academy of Sciences Malaysia. Investing in nature now is projected to yield massive economic and environmental returns - up to $2.19 trillion annually, say scientists. The study comes ahead of COP15, a landmark United Nations conference to find ways to protect biodiversity. Investing in measures to protect the biodiversity of Southeast Asia’s forests and seas could produce benefits valued at more than $2.19 trillion a year - while slowing down climate change - according to a new study published by the Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM). That result could be achieved if $10 billion was invested now, rising to $46 billion by 2030, says Eco-Business. The study’s authors point out that the investment is a tiny fraction of the possible paybacks in job creation, higher incomes, and a more sustainable environment. Read the full article on the World Economic Forum website.