Natural Capital service finder

What could natural capital look like on your farm?

Natural capital programs and services in NSW

Find ESG, carbon farming, natural capital accounting and environmental markets services and programs available to landholders in NSW.

Farm forestry services

Local Land Services provides native forest management advice for biodiversity conservation, pest and weed management, fire management and maintaining Aboriginal cultural values.

We support landholders to undertake actions that apply the principles of Ecologically Sustainable Forest Management (ESFM), which may also include timber production.

To learn more about managing your native forests, including carbon storage and economic diversity, you can read more about farm forestry on our website or email pnf.info@lls.nsw.gov.au

Natural resource management services

Local Land Services supports farmers in making well-informed decisions about natural asset management and its contribution to farm goals. We provide local staff expertise and advice, demonstration and training events customised to local needs. We may be able to offer grants and incentives for new practices and technologies that protect and enhance natural assets.

If you want tailored advice and support to solve a natural asset problem or achieve a natural resource management objective on your property, get in touch with your Local Land Services NRM officer by calling 1300 795 299. Read more about our natural resource management services.

Carbon on Country for Aboriginal landholders

The ‘Carbon on Country’ initiative aims to provide foundation information for Aboriginal organisations interested in participating in carbon farming projects that deliver outcomes for Country, culture and community. The initiative includes place-based and online workshops and a suite of ‘Carbon on Country’ resources for NSW Aboriginal landholders and organisations.

Aboriginal organisations and landholders can email the team at netzero.land@environment.nsw.gov.au to request information, organise a workshop or learn more about the carbon potential/suitable methods for landholdings.

The Carbon on Country resources are funded under the Primary Industries Productivity and Abatement Program, an initiative of the NSW Net Zero Plan. Find out more about PIPAP.

Support for project implementation and future natural capital funding opportunities will be available online and promoted through existing networks and the website. People interested in future carbon market opportunities can stay up to date with information and updates from NSW Climate and Energy Action.

BCT Funded Conservation Agreements

The Biodiversity Conservation Trust (BCT) offers two mechanisms under their Conservation Management Program where landholders can apply for agreements with ongoing annual payments - conservation tenders and fixed price offers. These payments enable landholders to better manage and protect biodiversity on their land. Eligibility and conditions vary.

Successful landholders can negotiate a conservation area and management actions with the BCT as part of their conservation agreement. All landholders with BCT agreements receive ongoing technical support. Alternatively, landholders can submit expressions of interest for fixed-price conservation agreements in priority areas at any time. Eligibility criteria varies depending on location.

Find out more about BCT's Conservation Management Program or email info@bct.nsw.gov.au

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BCT Partnership Conservation Agreements

In-perpetuity partnership conservation agreements are available from the Biodiversity Conservation Trust for landholders who wish to protect the biodiversity and native vegetation on their property, but are not seeking, or are ineligible, for annual conservation management payments under their Conservation Management Program. These agreements are registered on the title of the land, ensuring ongoing protection under subsequent land ownership.

This option may suit you if you have areas on your land that are of high conservation value and you wish to ensure those values are protected into the future. Land that is eligible for a conservation agreement will need to be managed primarily for conservation, be in moderate to good condition and be at least 20 hectares in size. Smaller properties may be considered by the BCT if they contain very high conservation values or meet other strategic objectives of the BCT.

Landholders with partnership conservation agreements receive landholder support and can apply for funding through conservation partners grants to help manage and enhance the biodiversity values of their property.

Find out more about BCT's In-perpetuity Partnership Conservation Agreements or email info@bct.nsw.gov.au

BCT Wildlife Refuge Agreements

Wildlife Refuge agreements are an entry-level option for landholders who wish to protect the biodiversity on their property but do not wish to enter into a permanent agreement. This can be a good option for landholders wanting to explore how they can become involved in conservation and partner with the BCT.

Wildlife Refuge agreements are suitable for areas managed primarily for conservation, in moderate to good condition and at least 10 hectares in size. Smaller properties may be considered by the BCT if they contain very high conservation values or meet other strategic objectives of the BCT.

Landholders with partnership conservation agreements receive landholder support and can apply for funding through conservation partners grants to help manage and enhance the biodiversity values of their property.

Find out more about BCT's Wildlife Refuge Agreements or contact info@bct.nsw.gov.au

High Impact Partnerships grants

The High Impact Partnership (HIP) grants program funds carbon reduction projects and shares information and lessons to educate and empower reduction in farm emissions.

The HIP grants support land managers to register a carbon farming project under the Emissions Reduction Fund, with any carbon credits later sold through a carbon market (for an added income stream) or held by the land manager for later sale or to contribute to their own carbon neutral status.

A key outcome of HIP is establishing on-ground sites and case studies (print, on-line, video) that demonstrate carbon farming projects. This peer-to-peer information sharing will help build capacity by helping others to understand the potential benefits, risks, and costs of getting involved in carbon projects and taking abatement action.

HIP is part of the Primary Industries Productivity and Abatement Program (PIPAP), which provides resources and opportunities for land managers to enhance their knowledge and make informed decisions about carbon reduction and productivity opportunities.

Find out more about High Impact Partnerships carbon abatement grants.

On-Farm Carbon Advice Project

Are you interested in understanding your on-farm emissions and carbon farming practices, setting up a carbon project through the Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) scheme and assessing opportunities in carbon and environmental markets?

The Department of Primary Industries’ On-Farm Carbon Advice Project is for all farmers who want to learn more about emissions and carbon sequestration.

Farmers who participate in the program can expect:

• increased understanding of climate change, agricultural emissions and reduction strategies for on-farm emissions
• measurement of your farm emissions profile with a Farm Carbon Management Plan and an action plan to reduce emissions and increase carbon storage
• understanding your whole farm landscape, production gains, profitability, and natural capital of your farm.
• understanding of the opportunities for developing new income streams, risks, tax, and legal implications.

For information on how to join the On-Farm Carbon Advice Initiative email carbon@dpi.nsw.gov.au

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Biodiversity credits

The Biodiversity Credits Supply Taskforce will work with landholders to establish a biodiversity stewardship agreement to create biodiversity credits. Selling credits through Australia’s most established biodiversity market creates long-term funding for you to help manage weeds and pests, and restore habitat for threatened species and ecosystems. This helps you future proof your property and supports productivity and diversification.

Biodiversity credits are needed to offset infrastructure and development projects, including for housing, energy and transport projects. Buyers include local developers and government. Find out if you have in-demand credits.

The Biodiversity Credits Supply Taskforce also supports the operation of the biodiversity market through the Supply Fund.

Find out more about Biodiversity Stewardship Agreements.

“Grow me the money”: Understanding Your Farms Natural Capital

Riverina Local Land Services can help you to manage your farms natural assets and understand the natural capital and environmental market opportunities available.

Our pilot project will work with you to map and document the natural capital on your property. It will involve a mix of online learning, desktop mapping and site visits to develop a profile and baseline condition of the natural capital assets.

Find out more about the "Grow me the money" project.

Environmental Markets Leadership Program

The Environmental Markets Leadership Program supports land managers and farmers to identify, market and benefit from the natural capital and environmental services they provide to society through sustainable land management.

The program will provide you with the skills, confidence and networks for you to achieve a return from sustainable land and natural resource management.

To find out more about the Environmental Markets Leadership Program.

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