Ecosystem Markets and Green Commerce

Natural Capital

In our final episode of the series we are discussing the important financial topics which cover most natural capital projects, including ecosystem markets and green commerce. We discuss potential funding and revenue options for natural capital, and importantly what are the risks and future opportunities for agriculture and landowners in Scotland. Investing in nature can help to improve our environment, drive a green economy, tackle global issues such as climate change and make the world a better place for both society and biodiversity.

Professor Mark Reed is an expert in Rural Entrepreneurship and the Co-Director of the Thriving Natural Capital Challenge Centre at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC). He is a transdisciplinary researcher specialising in environmental governance, ecosystem markets and research impact. He is a visiting professor at several universities, CEO of Fast Track Impact, Research Lead for the IUCN UK Peatland Programme where he sits on the Executive Board of the Peatland Code, and is also Co-Chair of UNEP’s Global Peatland Initiative Research Working Group.

The Earth’s soils, rocks, air, water, plants and animals are all valuable resources that provide a wide range of services and benefits. These resources need to be carefully managed and maintained to support a healthy functioning environment. In this Natural Capital podcast series, hosted by Rachel Smillie we explore different natural capital assets and their value to Scottish agriculture and the rural economy, including the opportunities and risks for the future. 

Hosted by Rachel Smillie, produced by Iain Boyd, editor Kieron Sim, executive producer Kerry Hammond. 

Timestamps 

Putting a financial value on nature : 1:50 - 6:56 

Requirements and controls for land and carbon markets : 6:57 – 11:13 

Opportunities and risks for farmers : 11:14 – 22:50 

Money for nature restoration projects : 26:18 – 38:00 

Balancing science, business and farmers needs : 38:00 – 44:55

Related FAS Resources

Advice & Grants | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)

Funding Opportunities for Sustainable Farming | Information helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)

FAS Sounds | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service

Environment resources for farmers from Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)

Other Related Resources

Professor Mark Reed, SRUC, UK (profmarkreed.com)

Thriving natural capital | SRUC

Scottish Nature Finance Pioneers – Grow, Restore, Prosper | NatureScot

Scottish Forum on Natural Capital – Bringing together public, private and voluntary sector organisations in order to protect and rebuild Scotland’s natural capital. (naturalcapitalscotland.com)

Home - UK Woodland Carbon Code

Peatland Code | IUCN UK Peatland Programme (iucn-uk-peatlandprogramme.org)

Soil Carbon Code | About the Code (sustainablesoils.org)

ICVCM - Build integrity and scale will follow