CAWSYD26 forum values economic opportunities of our natural world

The panel discussion highlighted how investing in nature can help businesses manage environmental risks, strengthen resilience and unlock new opportunities, while improving productivity and delivering long‑term biodiversity benefits.

With experts including our own Director of Programs, Mick O’Flynn, Value Australia’s Rayne van den Berg, Farming for the Future’s Dr Sue Ogilvy and Ernst & Young’s Miguel Castillo, the discussion ranged over:

• the sharing of research and insights on natural capital, nature markets, productivity and conservation
• practical examples on how nature‑positive action reduces business risk and boosts productivity
• examples of how nature is being valued, including through the NS Biodiversity Conservation Trust’s established value-for-money Assessment Metric
• farm productivity and profitability opportunities presented by healthy natural capital

Mick said the event reflected the rapid rise of nature as a priority in business and investment.  

He said a clear message emerged through the 90-minute panel discussion: that nature can be measured, costed and factored into financial decisions today and that well-designed public programs like the BCT offers can make this easier for investors.

“Nature is increasingly being recognised in board rooms as a business risk that must be addressed alongside climate,” Mick said.  

“Climate has a clear metric in carbon by the tonne, but nature is more complex. That complexity shouldn’t delay action – we can measure and monitor nature’s value well enough to take meaningful action now”.

Mick said the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust’s success was well-regarded and the sector recognised the opportunities it presented.

"We have a strong track record of protecting nature across NSW in a way that delivers best value for money. Our approach delivers strong ecological, community and value‑for‑money outcomes.”

Mick said Climate Action Week Sydney 2026 panel attendees heard how trusted programs, solid research and real data already exist and can be leveraged.

“Starting early provides a competitive advantage and the panel made clear what's possible right now,” he said.

He also stressed the importance of collaboration.

“Open dialogue and partnerships build confidence and help bring nature onto the balance sheet. Closing the nature‑finance gap requires cooperation across public, private and philanthropic sectors. The BCT is bringing our track record, statutory status, science backed approach and stable, long-term financing arrangements to these conversations."