Business of Biodiversity

The regent honeyeater ( Anthochaera phrygia) is a critically endangered species of bird that has lost about 90% of their preferred woodland habitats to farmland. There are now less than 350 birds left. Their decline has had a significant negative impact on the greater ecosystem. People are going to great lengths to help protect them, but it’s not easy. Finding these elusive birds is like finding a...

One of Australia’s rarest butterfly species is taking the spotlight in this episode. Sadly, it is endangered partly due to its Goldilocks tendencies - it needs everything to be just right to survive. The purple copper butterfly (Paralucia spinifera) is a small butterfly with a thick body, and a wingspan of only 20-30 millimetres.  Join us as we learn about this intriguing species and how its survi...

Tackling environmental problems such as biodiversity loss and climate change requires an open mind, lateral thinking and innovative solutions.  It's not always easy. It can be challenging to know how to take your first step towards incorporating biodiversity-friendly practices in your business or everyday life. This episode delves into how organisations, both well-established and fledgling, us...

A 2021 study estimates that there are about six birds for every human on the planet. Despite this statistic, in summer, millions of people flock to the beaches, far outnumbering the tiny amount of beach-nesting birds also using this space. There are over 600 bird species in NSW, but only six beach-nesting species, including the Hooded Plover. Join us in this short episode to learn about this delig...

One of the most widely misunderstood creatures, bats, unfortunately, have a bad rap. This episode will dispel some common misconceptions about bats. We’ll learn fun facts and the usefulness of these cryptic creatures. Of 34 bat species in NSW, there are 18 that are listed as threatened or extinct. Threats for these bats include habitat loss, human activities and climate change. Tune in to see what...

Sustainability is a buzzword and a concept that has been around for decades. Businesses have recognised the importance of running their enterprise with minimal negative impact on the environment, community and society. In this episode, we will dive right into where many of these processes start - at the sourcing end of supply chains. Supply chains are inherently complex, creating challenges in ide...

It’s big.  It's slimy. It’s fluorescent pink. Join us as we slip into the world of a Giant Pink Slug. Slugs don't have a great reputation and are known by many as unwanted garden guests. But they are misunderstood molluscs, which play a crucial role in our environment. In this episode, we’ll explore the benefits of slugs and learn about the 'poster boy' slug of them all - the Giant...

When we think of drought, what often comes to mind is the impact on farmers and the food and fibre they produce, but what about the broader impact on native plants, animals, and their habitats? Hear from three people who are working to bring back biodiversity and profitability to build resilience in the face of drought.   Guests featured: Professor David Lindenmayer – landscape ecologist and conse...

“It’s not easy being green.”  - Kermit The Frog. Why are frogs important? What is putting frogs at risk?  Welcome to our first Business of Biodiversity ‘bite’. This is a short, bite-sized episode that draws you into the wild world of the Green and Golden Bell Frog. It is listed as endangered under the New South Wales Threatened Species Conservation Act, 1995. Discover how these beautiful...

Can we, or should we, put a dollar sign on nature? Should we put a price on water, carbon, forests, and air? If so, what would this accomplish and how would it be done? In this episode, we look at valuing nature and biodiversity. #Biodiversity, and the ecosystems that stem from it, provide invaluable benefits to our everyday lives, yet it’s often not fully recognised or appreciated. But there is h...

This month we’re excited to share an episode from the fantastic ‘Branch Out’ Podcast from the Royal Botanic Gardens. It’s a very timely topic about a contagious disease - but not for humans! In this episode, we’ll learn about Myrtle rust, a plant disease threatening many of our iconic species. Listen to this episode to hear how this killer works and what scientists are doing to stop it. You’ll dis...

September is biodiversity month, highlighting that we have more than 1,000 threatened species in NSW alone. Now is the perfect opportunity to learn about how we depend on biodiversity in everyday life, often in ways that are not always apparent or appreciated. Did you ever realise that much of our food, energy, medicine, economic opportunities, cultural identity and overall well-being depends on t...

Did you know that over half the world’s population, that’s more than 4 billion people, now live in urban areas? As our population grows so does our urban development. This concrete sprawl negatively impacts biodiversity in these changing ecosystems. But it’s not all doom and gloom. In this episode we’ll hear how three businesses are bringing nature back into the urban jungle to help communities an...

How many species of flora and fauna do you think exist in Australia? Well there’s about a few hundred thousand that we’ve identified. But did you know there’s a bunch more out there that haven’t got a name yet? What’s amazing is that, when we get around to classifying them, that information could be worth billions of dollars to Australia’s economy. So in this episode we’re talking to a scientist w...

Birds are an iconic species of our Australian environment. And whether you’re in the bush or the backyard, they play an important role with things like keeping pesky insects at bay, pollinating plants and they can even increase your property values. But sadly loss of habitat across both urban and agricultural landscapes has impacted many species of birds with some becoming endangered or threatened...

The beaches and our river systems are a popular place for recreation. But they're also home to some of our threatened and endangered native wildlife. So as we head into summer with people gathering along the NSW coastline, we’re taking a look at our native marine wildlife, the people who care for them when they get sick or injured and how we can do our bit. Guests featured in this episode Olly Pit...

In this episode we take to the skies to see how drone technology is saving time and money for threatened species. We talk to 3 conservationists turned tech heads about a range of projects from monitoring remote threatened species and bird migration to rapid fire reforestation. We’ll hear about their challenges, solutions and vision for the future and its a bright one. With thanks to those featured...

Only one quarter of known Australian threatened species are protected in conservation reserves. Some threatened species are confined to small areas in cities, on farms and along roadsides. Engaging the broader community in conservation efforts is essential to their survival. In this episode we speak to 3 people who are beating the drum for threatened species and bringing the public along for the r...

Standing around the kitchen table in rural communities, talking about Land management can be just as divisive as politics and religion. But biodiversity loss and threatened species is a problem for us all. So how do people work together towards restoration? In this episode we’re looking at the Australian made Landcare movement. We’ll talk to passionate people working at all levels of the organisat...

There are so many great ideas out there with the environment at their heart. But how do you take that idea for good and turn it into a business? Many conservationists struggle to put a dollar figure on their environmental values. So in this episode we’re talking to environmental entrepreneurs about the journey of turning their passion into a viable business. In this episode we hear from: Sam Marwo...

Sharing your passion is infectious. The people in this episode all have a love of Australian plants and animals and they are not shy to share their passion in order to encourage others to get involved. Guests featured in this episode: Justin and Pip Jarret - Seesaw Wines  seesawwine.com Sam Renzaglia - RenZaglia Wines renzagliawines.com.au Lou Chalmers - Yume Wine yumewine.co Luke Tilse...

In this episode we’ll hear from scientists, conservationists and farmers sharing their experiences and knowledge around threatened species conservation. We’ll explore how plants and animals deliver significant ecosystem services on farm and why biodiversity is simply good for business. In this episode we hear from Nigel Sharp - Founder and Chairman, Odonata Matt Hayward, Associate Professor of Con...