Preserving natural systems is critical to the long-term sustainability of ecosystems and society. The rate of biodiversity and species loss worldwide is alarming.
As one of 17 ‘megadiverse’ countries, Australia is committed to finding ways to repair and better manage its ecosystems, as part of the world’s necessary transition to nature positive.
We recognise the significance and interconnectedness of Australia’s unique natural environment from multiple perspectives including water and land resources, business, finance, and society.
Expertise areas
Circular economy, material systems and nature
We apply mixed research methods to understand how changes to material supply systems in response to societal goals and trajectories - such as the transition to a net-zero economy - will alter pressures on natural systems and biodiversity.
Nature-Positive opportunities for Australia’s financial system
We apply finance sector expertise in climate and nature-related risk assessments; biodiversity markets; natural capital accounting; and nature-positive investing to build the finance sector's capacity to assess nature-related risks, and establish innovative nature-related investments.
Nature and society
The interactions between nature and society determine how socio-ecological systems evolve and develop over time. We apply a diversity of qualitative research methods to identify the values, knowledge, practices, representations and governance systems that underpin the relationships individuals and communities forge with their environment.
Research news and projects
Looking beyond extraction for renewables
The transition to 100% renewable energy is not without its difficulties – not least increased demand for critical minerals.
Building better practice for renewable energy: Six ways to improve ecosystem outcomes
The large-scale deployment of renewable energy is one of the key strategies to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions. In Australia, the Federal Government...
Integrating circular economy, climate change and biodiversity current practice and future directions.
We discuss current thinking and future directions on the integration of the circular economy, climate and nature agendas in Australia.
Landholder participation in biodiversity offsetting
The objective of this research project, funded by the NSW Environmental Trust, was to shed light on landholders’ experiences with, and perspectives on the New...
Systems Stewardship: Managing Interconnected Climate Risks for Lasting Value
A guide to understanding and strengthening investor practice.
Active restoration in the NSW Biodiversity offsets scheme
We investigated the perspectives of accredited assessors, government staff and restoration practitioners on the use of ‘active restoration’ in the context of offsetting.
Blue food systems as nature-based solutions for climate resilience
Taking a systems approach to understand the role of blue foods as nature-based solutions in the Pacific region.
Climate-smart agriculture in the Indo-Pacific
Research to support climate resilience and food security in Papua New Guinea through the development and implementation of climate-smart agriculture.
Optimising Organic Waste and Cultivating Circularity for Australian Agriculture
Circular economy for Australian agriculture, fisheries and forestry.
Biodiversity Financing Mechanisms for the ACT
We reviewed and analysed the institutional and legal framework in the ACT to recommend legal, policy and regulatory reforms needed to enable a robust biodiversity financing mechanism.
Sustainability performance assessment for palm oil producers
Palm oil is one of the most versatile vegetable oils used in the world today, with applications ranging from food and pharmaceuticals to cosmetics, cleaning...
Ecosystem impacts of phosphorus and surfactants in consumer products
Stewart Investors commissioned ISF to explore the ecosystem impacts of household and personal care consumer products, including laundry detergents, dishwashing...
Addressing plastic pollution in India
In the absence of strong political leadership, businesses, in partnership with the not-for-profit sector, are driving change.
The valuable nutrients in our pee
PhD candidate Jordan Roods made a shift from a career in law to sustainability. Now, he’s focusing on the recovery of nutrients from organic waste streams.
Values of ecosystems for people
Helping to identify, evaluate and incorporate plural values of nature into decision-making frameworks for the management of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
Team
