The capacity of a given area to generate an enduring supply of renewable resources and to absorb its spillover wastes. Earth’s biocapacity is determined by the biologically productive area available and the bioproductivity (yield) per hectare. The biocapacity of an area of land is affected by both physical and human factors: Iraq, for example has a low biocapacity, despite its large oil reserves and its position in the once ‘fertile crescent’.

The European Union’s Ecological Footprint and Biocapacity (2006) outlines the world’s ability to regenerate resources and absorb waste in a limited time period.