Abstract 1: Natural capital approach: driving better decisions for environmental, economic and social outcomes
This presentation will build on the work NRM Regions Australia and IDEEA Group have already done in developing a foundational level of understanding of natural capital accounting among NRMs, articulating how natural capital can be incorporated into decision-making processes and used to affect environmental, economic and social outcomes.
In this presentation, we will unpack how organisations can use standards-based natural capital accounting to align their objectives and associated investments directly to environmental outcomes, and crucially, demonstrate how these environmental outcomes translate into tangible economic and social benefits for their local communities.
Using a case study from Corangamite Catchment Management Authority, we will demonstrate how organisations can use their natural capital data to prioritise investment activities, report effectively and communicate success.
This presentation will offer practical solutions to the key data challenges that we know NRM organisations are facing, including consolidation, addressing gaps, aligning to standards and reporting.
Speaker: Ziggy Gelman
Abstract 2: From genes to markets: using eDNA to inform natural capital accounts
Environmental DNA (eDNA) offers a powerful, non-invasive tool for detecting species across diverse ecosystems. By identifying genetic material left behind by organisms in water, soil, or air, eDNA enables accurate, efficient biodiversity assessments at landscape scales. eDNA is increasingly being used to support natural capital accounting and environmental markets, providing scientifically robust data on species presence, including threatened and invasive species. When integrated with environmental and economic information, eDNA data can help businesses and land managers better understand their ecological footprint, evaluate biodiversity outcomes of management actions, and make more informed, sustainable decisions. We discuss a case study with the Burnett Mary Regional Group (BMRG), where eDNA was applied across multiple catchments to detect aquatic native, threatened and invasive species using an Accounting for Nature certified eDNA method. We discuss how this type of data can be integrated into a financial framework for natural capital to help drive environmental outcomes.
Speaker: Luke Noble
Abstract 3: Reporting Natural Capital Outcomes of Historical Projects – Reef Catchments NRM
Aligning with growing interest in Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting, the 2024 Reef Place Based Integrated Project funding expanded to support Natural Capital initiatives. To demonstrate early value, we assessed Natural Capital outcomes from five water quality programs (2019–2024), involving nutrient management planning, farm budgets, pollution yield mapping, and machinery upgrades. Truii’s Natural Capital Region quantified Dissolved Inorganic Nitrogen (DIN) savings and highlighted the most cost-effective projects. Social outcomes from field days and agronomic extension were tracked via community engagement indicators, while economic value was captured through the use of local contractors and materials. These broader benefits had not been explicitly quantified in previous reporting. Insights from this assessment are now informing the design and delivery of cost-effective, place-based actions under the new funding round.
Speaker: Dave Waters & Todd McNeil
Abstract 4: LLS Natural Capital Profiles
This session could discuss how the profiles work, their value proposition, landholder feedback, and what has and hasn’t worked. In a time of changing market options and mounting pressure on farmers, tools like this are critical in building capacity and raising awareness of various options for both advisory staff and land managers. It could also deep dive into some of the tools used to assess land, how these work together to form a bigger picture, and how this interacts with what we see on-ground.
Speaker: Paris Capell
Abstract 5: Improving Box-Gum Grassy Woodland Conservation with Scheme-Level Monitoring and Landscape Planning
This presentation shows how long-term ecological data, robust monitoring, landscape planning, and regional partnerships can improve the impact and credibility of market-based conservation schemes like the Nature Repair Market.
Sustainable Farms brings together more than 20 years of biodiversity monitoring across five NRM regions, providing a rare opportunity to support “scheme-level” monitoring for Box-Gum Grassy Woodland conservation through environmental markets. These high-quality datasets, combined with local engagement and ecological expertise, create a strong foundation for understanding outcomes at scale.
Scheme-level monitoring offers a practical way to improve transparency, learning, and measurable impact across multiple projects and regions. Using Box-Gum Grassy Woodland as a test case, we outline realistic, actionable steps to build on existing strengths and partnerships, and explore how this approach can be embedded in future restoration programs to guide investment, improve confidence, and support better outcomes on the ground.
Speaker: Michelle Young & Erin Liddell
