Nature Markets

To recognise this value, nature markets enable private investment in nature. Nature markets create units or credits that can be bought or sold as a way of valuing ecosystem services and redirecting activities away from outcomes that harm nature and wildlife.   

Examples of nature markets include: 

• landholders undertaking restoration works that generate carbon credits
• local councils investing in green infrastructure (such as mangroves) to support coastlines from erosion that generate savings from avoided coastal damage
• farmers improving biodiversity by adopting wildlife friendly land management practices, generating biodiversity units which can be sold to property developers.

To support private investment in nature, Australia has passed the Nature Repair Act. The Act establishes a world-first legislated, national, voluntary biodiversity market that incentivises actions to restore and protect the environment. 

For example, a covenantor could propose a restoration project on their property, which they then sell on the market as biodiversity units. Buyers might include government or private businesses seeking to address their nature impact.

Trust for Nature is a key partner in the development of the permanent protection methodology that will underpin the Market. The Market is part of federal Government’s Nature Positive Plan.

Trust for Nature is involved in or supports nature markets through our biodiversity offsets program, through our policy submissions to the development of legislation such as the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, and through conservation finance.