Environmental or nature markets develop when a value is placed on natural assets, such as air, water, energy, and native plants and animals. When natural assets are valued they can be traded or exchanged as natural capital to offset development or environmental impacts. This generates more incentive to protect and improve our environment. Natural capital programs continue to emerge and develop. These programs operate to:
- improve our environment
- financially support landholders
- help us manage environmental markets
- encourage private landholders to support key sustainability and conservation initiatives – for example, habitat restoration for threatened species.
Several natural capital programs exist across various environmental markets at state and national levels. Eligible landholders in New South Wales may be able to participate in and benefit from one or more natural capital program.