Nature’s Balance Sheet: Understanding Natural Capital Assets Program
Murrumbidgee Landcare Inc delivered a two-part program on the hot-topic of natural capital, so everyone could learn from specialists in the field.
Capacity building - LEP23_036_LLC6_5
The issue
Farmers and land managers deal with natural capital assets on their farms, such as plants, animals, soils and water, and the services they provide. Murrumbidgee Landcare wanted to offer the opportunity for people to understand that enhancing natural capital on their farm can create value for their farming business or property management, as well as improving the environment and supporting the broader economy. We want to teach that effective natural capital management can help improve productivity, build resilience, expand or safeguard market access, save on input and finance costs, and enable one to take part in environmental markets and earn a financial return.
The solution
Murrumbidgee Landcare teamed with the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust, Riverina Local Land Services and the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development to deliver current information and advice from experts. On the first day, Allie Maffei, RLLS Natural Capital Advisor, provided an introduction to getting started with natural capital and detailed an example Natural Capital Profile. Sally Ware, RLLS Rangelands Officer, with Stacey & Ian Lugsdin of Warrendale provided details of their natural capital journey and an interactive asset tour. The second day of the program saw a Carbon Management Workshop delivered by Clare Edwards, DPIRD On-Farm Carbon Advice team.
The impact
In a fast-adapting field, attendees were able to gain up-to-date knowledge of natural capital including basic concepts, how to get started, carbon farming terms & definitions, market drivers, emissions analysis, practical calculation tools, and current and future approaches to reducing emissions and enhancing carbon sequestration. Farmers and land managers were given the means necessary to better understand the value of the natural assets on their land, change their practices to benefit both their business and the environment, and boost their knowledge and confidence in navigating environmental market opportunities.
Key facts
- Build awareness, capacity, and knowledge among Landholders and the broader conservation community
- Improve the management of biodiversity on private land
- Raise awareness and support private land conservation efforts across the state