Natural Capital is an Asset: Dr Fiona Dempster Talks Nature and Investment at MIG Workshop
- tamaraharold
- May 6
- 2 min read
Last week, Dr Fiona Dempster, Deputy Director of the Centre for Agricultural Economics and Development (CAED), delivered a compelling presentation on “Private investment in Natural Capital Production Landscapes” at the Mingenew Irwin Group (MIG) carbon workshop.
As part of a broader research project backed by the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub, her talk marked an important first step in helping growers rethink their relationship with the natural assets they manage every day.
“Natural Capital—our soils, water, biodiversity—isn’t just background,” Fiona explained. “It’s something we can measure, manage, and value. It can be an asset class.”
The workshop was the first time the research team publicly shared findings from a project exploring how growers and investors view Natural Capital. Backed by the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub, the project aims to bring farming and sustainability together in a way that attracts real investment.
“Farmers already manage landscapes that provide ecosystem services like soil health, pollination, and carbon storage,” Fiona said. “The challenge is helping the market recognise and reward that.”
Early data is promising. Of the 60 growers surveyed, nearly half were already familiar with the idea of Natural Capital, and many saw value in things like biodiversity corridors, healthy soils, and water systems.
On the investment side, 68% of interviewed investors agreed that Natural Capital is a legitimate asset class—one that could fit into equity structures. “There’s clear common ground between what farmers care about and what investors are looking for,” Fiona told the group. “We just need to build the bridge.”
Programs like the GreenCollar’s NaturePlus™ biodiversity credit scheme could offer farmers payment for protecting or enhancing natural values on their land.
Fiona’s talk was well received, sparking plenty of questions and interest. “It’s early days,” she said, “but we’re starting a conversation about long-term value—about seeing nature as a partner in production, not just a backdrop.”
For more information:
Dr Fiona Dempster: fiona.dempster@uwa.edu.au
Dr Ram Pandit, Project Leader: ram.pandit@wabsi.org.au
General enquiries about the project, contact Dr Tom Picton-Warlow: tom@swimming365.com.au
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