Integrating conservation and business for a nature-positive future
About Nature Foundation
Nature Foundation is an apolitical not-for-profit foundation that invests in conserving, restoring and protecting Australian landscapes, flora and fauna to ensure their survival for future generations.
We invest in a broad portfolio of activities including:
• Increasing the area of land protected for nature conservation
• Multidisciplinary conservation management
• Scientific research
• Nature-based solutions
• Creating enduring partnerships
• Raising funds for nature conservation
• Education and citizen science
Nature Foundation has considerable experience in managing land for conservation and owns and manages nine nature reserves totalling over 500,000-hectares:
• Witchelina: a diverse arid land reserve between Marree and Lake Torrens
• Hiltaba: adjacent to the Gawler Ranges National Park protecting Yellow-footed Rock-wallaby habitat
• Para Woodlands: former farm near Gawler being restored to a grassy woodland
• Tiliqua: protecting threatened Pygmy Bluetongue Lizard habitat near Burra
• Watchalunga: a wetland near Finniss protecting Mount Lofty Ranges Southern Emu-wrens and native fish
• Murbpook Lagoon: wetland near Blanchetown which with its surrounds protects 19 threatened species including Regent Parrots
• Geegeela: protecting buloke, an important food source for South-eastern Red-tailed Black-cockatoos
• Bullock Bridge: a haven for birds and native fauna on the Limestone Coast, comprising multiple ecosystems and adjacent to Mount Scott Conservation Park
• Mongolurring: protecting quality mallee woodland over saltbush and low shrubs including nationally listed Yellow-throated Miner and Silver Daisy Bush.
Nature Foundation provides science-led solutions aimed at tackling biodiversity challenges in South Australia and across Australia.
For over 40 years we have been successfully delivering community-led conservation action that is evidence-based addressing knowledge gaps, developing career pathways for First Nations Australians and post graduate students, saving native species and protecting habitats.
As an early adopter of innovative market-based solutions to deliver biodiversity conservation outcomes we have always worked closely with industry and government to design solutions that go beyond just legislative compliance. With a focus on high integrity measurement and management frameworks we will always seek to achieve a positive impact on nature, today, tomorrow and forever.
Our human-induced regeneration project at Hiltaba is the only carbon project in the South Australian rangeland with issued ACCUs and accounts for 40% of all ACCUs issued in South Australia under the vegetation-related methodologies.
In line with the Australian government’s target to protect and conserve 30 per cent of our land and sea by 2030, Nature Foundation’s goal is to apply this best practice, science-led action to one million hectares by 2030, a doubling of our footprint.
We are here to assist your business transition to a nature-positive future through co-designed partnership and nature repair solutions.
First Nations knowledge and engagement
First Nations’ knowledge of Country and management practices offers a valuable approach to caring for the environment for all Australians.
Nature Foundation collaborates closely with Traditional Custodians across our nature reserves and land network, including engagement in cultural and natural resource management planning, conservation programs, and capacity building in local communities.
Our solutions for nature
We take a comprehensive approach to all of our Nature-based Solutions, considering carbon, biodiversity and First Nations outcomes and benefits.
Solutions include:
• Nature Reserve Acquisition and Management
• Scientific Research in Biodiversity, Land Management and Threatened Species
• Environmental Consulting and Project Management
Our Kids on Country™ Junior Ranger Program is a youth engagement program for Aboriginal High School students aged 14-19, that inspires future careers in conservation and land management, strengthens cultural learning and wellbeing, and supports ongoing engagement in education. Kids on Country camps have a culture-first approach, where participants are afforded the opportunity to grow under the mentorship of senior Aboriginal people, whilst engaging in practical on-country studies in conservation and land management.
• Nature-Positive Projects:
– Biodiverse Carbon Projects
– Holistic Restoration Projects
• Environmental Offset Solutions Design and Delivery:
– Significant Environmental Benefit (SEB) Offsets
– Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Offsets
Our impact for nature
Nature Foundation’s conservation work has made a vital impact on sustainably managing Australia’s unique landscapes, flora and fauna.
• 1.15 million hectares is the total area of land we have helped protect.
• 500,000+ hectares are the combined land area of our nine nature reserves: Witchelina, Hiltaba, Tiliqua, Watchalunga, Para Woodlands, Murbpook Lagoon, Geegeela, Bullock Bridge and Mongolurring.
• Populations of key threatened species under management are experiencing growth including Yellow-footed Rock-wallaby, Plains Mouse and Thickbilled Grasswren through reduction in threatening processes and good seasonal conditions.
• Habitat for 15 nationally threatened fauna species protected and actively managed.
• 333 young Aboriginal people have participated in our Kids on Country™ program.
• 456 grants to the value of more than $1.9 million have been awarded to university students, researchers and community organisation to support nature science research.
• 24 properties have been acquired with our assistance and gifted to the State Government or land managers to become part of the National Parks and National Reserve System to support at-risk species and habitats.
• 3,090 volunteer hours per year supporting in our office and on our reserves.
• Over 4,000 supporters help us make the impact we do.
• 231,113 tonnes of CO2E sequestered since 2020 (over 26,007-hectare carbon estimation area).
Raijieli with Tessellated gecko ( Diplodactylus tessellatus ).
Nature-based solutions in action
Case study: Hiltaba Nature Reserve
Human-induced regeneration at Hiltaba Nature Reserve, South Australia
Nature Reserve Area: 78,000 ha (780 km2)
Project Area: 26,007 ha
Location: Bordering the Gawler Ranges on the Eyre Peninsula
Major aims: Threat abatement, conservation and protection of fauna and flora
Key threatened species: 40 state-listed species and nine species listed by the Commonwealth for their conservation significance including the Yellowfooted Rock-wallaby, Short-tailed Grasswren, Southern Whiteface and Desert Greenhood Orchid
Management: Nature Foundation
Traditional owners: Gawler Ranges Peoples — Bungala, Kokatha and Wirangu countries
Project partner: GreenCollar
When Nature Foundation acquired Hiltaba Nature Reserve in 2012 it was a habitat at significant risk.
Applying active management, Nature Foundation has reduced the impact of a number of threatening processes, primarily focusing on total grazing pressure and predation. Total grazing pressure is from the combined impact of herbivores, both native and introduced, on native vegetation.
We now have an active Human-induced Regeneration project in action on Hiltaba, with regular surveys monitoring the health of nature flora and fauna, and verifiable and auditable live reporting on management interventions that impact on carbon sequestration.
Since the project commenced in 2020, 231,113 tonnes of CO2E has been sequestered across the 26,007-hectare carbon estimation area.
This project at Hiltaba is the only carbon project in the South Australian rangeland with issued ACCUs through our partnership with GreenCollar, and accounts for
40% of all ACCUs issued in South Australia under the vegetation-related methodologies.
Throughout the project we have delivered both carbon benefits and significant co-benefits to nature and First Nations Australians, working closely with and including Traditional Owners from the Gawler Ranges, covering Bungala, Kokatha and Wirangu countries. In November 2022, we hosted the inaugural Aboriginal Corporation’s Women and Girls Camp at Hiltaba, funded by GreenCollar and successfully delivered by our Kids on Country™ team.
Since the project commenced in 2020, 231,113 tonnes of CO2E has been sequestered across the 26,007-hectare carbon estimation area.
By choosing a third party to deliver environmental offsets, resources companies are able to get on with the business of delivering minerals and resources to the markets and provide jobs for the region and state.
Nature-based solutions in action
Case study: Witchelina Nature Reserve
SEB offset design and delivery at Witchelina Nature Reserve, South Australia
Nature Reserve Area: 421,000 ha (4,210 km2)
Project Area: 35,364 ha (across two separate areas)
Location: 51 km north-west of Lyndhurst
Major aims: Threat abatement, conservation and protection of nine Arid Land Systems
Key threatened species: Thick-billed Grasswren, Southern Whiteface and Plains Mouse
Management: Nature Foundation
Traditional owners: Adnyamathanha, Kuyani and Arabana peoples
Project Partners: SANTOS, Beach Energy, SENEX, Epic Energy, Heathgate, BHP (formerly OZ Minerals)
Nature Foundation facilitated a partnership between five resources companies with environmental offset needs and Commonwealth and State Governments to acquire Witchelina, a 421,000-hectare property in South Australia’s north. The partnering resources companies recognised the mutual benefits of discharging their offset obligation with an enduring conservation charity, as an alternative to undertaking the offset project themselves.
By choosing a third party to deliver environmental offsets, resources companies are able to get on with the business of delivering minerals and resources to the markets and provide jobs for the region and state.
The opportunities for their staff to experience Witchelina and see the restoration work first hand, has helped to build knowledge fundamental to delivering environmental policy and
a deeper connection to nature. The partnership with industry and the success of the program that followed has also built stronger ties with traditional owners, universities and the local community.
Nature Foundation assumes long-term legal liability for delivering environmental offsets on Witchelina Nature Reserve. The measurable impacts on biodiversity of the land include the restoration of habitat for a population of the nationally vulnerable Thick-billed Grasswren.
Other projects
Project Murbpook SEB Offset Design and Delivery
Partner: SA Water
Year: 2020 – present Area: 360 hectares (whole of property)
Positive Impact: Vegetation management of River Murray wetland of importance. Breeding site for threatened Regent Parrot.
Project
South Gap Plains Mouse EPBC Offset Design and Implementation
Partner: BHP (formerly OZ Minerals) Year: 2020 Area: 3,250 hectares
Positive Impact: Vegetation management and predator control for improved Plains Mouse conditions.
Project Gidgealpa SEB Offset Design and Delivery
Partner: SANTOS
Year: 2019 – present Area: 20,172 hectares
Positive Impact: Management of grazing pressure allowing native flora to regenerate. Dune stability has improved, minimising the effects of erosion. Improved water holding capacity of the soil, acting as a resource sink.
Project Thick-billed Grasswren EPBC Offset Design and Delivery
Partner: Peak Iron Mines (formerly Arrium)
Year: 2011–2014 Area: 4,044 hectares
Positive Impact: Vegetation management and predator control within areas of critical habitat. Two PhD theses completed improving knowledge of species. total combined project areas
We are actively seeking new partnerships in carbon sequestration and nature-positive projects. Methodologies are subject to change.
End-to-end nature-based project development
1
2
Nature Foundation’s land assessment criteria are used to assess the suitability of potential project areas
3
Potential naturebased project areas are identified Partner is advised about the project including the environmental, social and financial benefits
4
The project area is secured by either property purchase or landholder partnership agreement, and a naturebased project is registered with the appropriate authority
5
On-ground activities are conducted, including scientificled data collection and reporting
6
Audit and reporting requirements are managed by Nature Foundation to ensure a seamless project life cycle
Land assessment process
Our land assessment process involves reviewing all aspects of a naturebased project, from carbon and biodiversity project opportunities to overall ecosystem connectiveness and environmental outcomes.
When an appropriate land opportunity is identified, we ensure the project is financially feasible, underpinned by a 3-way financial forecast. This allows us to appropriately identify which projects will deliver financial results whilst achieving the best outcomes for nature. Additionally, this process allows us to communicate the returns project partners may achieve whether it be on a Multiple on Invested Capital (MOIC), Return on Invested Capital (ROIC), or Payback Period.
In addition, we conduct a full ecological analysis of the vegetation type, soil type, weather and climatic patterns to ensure the nature-based project registered on the property will be cohesive to the overall ecosystem. Analysing the project from an ecological and financial point of view ensures the project has a high chance of success from an environmental and financial perspective.
Volunteers planting seedlings at Watchalunga. Credit: Bill Doyle
Partnership creation
Nature Foundation offers opportunities for a blended partnership, co-designed and tailored to meet your social responsibility objectives.
• Environmental Consulting
• Carbon Development Projects
• Biodiversity Projects
• Bespoke Environmental Projects
• Traditional Custodian Collaboration
• Corporate Sponsorship
• Philanthropy
• Employee and Community Engagement
Partnership benefits
Together, we can partner and collaborate to co-design nature-positive projects that deliver on the needs of your business and make a positive impact on the Australian environment and First Nations people.
A partnership with Nature Foundation can directly address your impact goals.
Measurable Impact: Reportable, auditable and accurate data that will enhance your TCFD and TNFD reporting.
Reach: Profile your partnership with Nature Foundation supporters, key stakeholders, and Australians who care about protecting the environment ensuring your organisation is not at risk of greenwashing claims.
Engagement: Actively engage employees, clients and key stakeholders in nature activities. Creating a positive environment in your workplace that fosters care, and mental and physical health benefits.
Alignment with Nature: Invest in a partnership that positions your organisation alongside a leading science-led not-for-profit protecting and conserving nature, meeting all your ESG, carbon emissions and nature-positive reporting needs.
Our footprint
Nature Reserves:
Bullock Bridge – 202 hectares
Geegeela – 102 hectares
Hiltaba – 78,000 hectares
Mongolurring – 1,200 hectares
Murbpook – 360 hectares
Para Woodlands – 500 hectares
Tiliqua – 85 hectares
Watchalunga – 92 hectares
Witchelina – 421,000 hectares
Managed Offsets:
Gidgealpa – 20,172 hectares
South Gap – 3,250 hectares
HILTABA NATURE RESERVE
GAWLER RANGES NP
SOUTH GAP
GIDGEALPA
WITCHELINA NATURE RESERVE
TORRENS
PARA WOODLANDS NATURE RESERVE
FLINDERS RANGES NP
MONGOLURRING NATURE RESERVE
TILIQUA NATURE RESERVE
RIVER MURRAY
MURBPOOK NATURE RESERVE
WATCHALUNGA NATURE RESERVE
GEEGEELA NATURE RESERVE
BULLOCK BRIDGE NATURE RESERVE
LAKE
LAKE GAIRDNER
LAKE FROME
LAKE EYRE
Adelaide
Ceduna
Pt Augusta
Burra
Pt Pirie
Pt Lincoln
Bordertown
Victor Harbor
Murray Bridge
Kingscote
Roxby Downs
Mt Gambier
Renmark
Contact us to learn more
Alex Nankivell
CEO
T. +61 8 8340 2880
M. +61 422 267 096 E. alex.nankivell@ naturefoundation.org.au
Alex has been with Nature Foundation since 2008 and adeptly handles its business operations’ strategic and operational sides, from writing management plans to expertly overseeing their on-the-ground implementation.
Alex has a Bachelor of Applied Science in Environmental Management and a Master of Project Management.
Mark
Ashley
Deputy CEO – Strategic Initiatives
T. +61 8 8340 2880
M. +61 456 093 138
E. mark.ashley@ naturefoundation.org.au
Mark, an experienced executive, has led various environmental management organisations, such as the Northern Territory Conservation Commission, Bushfires NT, and the Water Resources Division of the NT Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
Mark’s coordination of new strategic programs and partnerships has been pivotal in achieving significant conservation, community development, and commercial outcomes.
Conor Hilton Nature-based Solutions Coordinator
T. +61 8 8340 2880
M. +61 466 092 447
E. conor.hilton@ naturefoundation.org.au
Conor originally trained as a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) before his passion for the environment led him to pivot towards green accounting, becoming an Accounting for Nature Certified Expert and undertaking a Diploma of Sustainable Living.
Conor brings his skills and experience with accounting, ESG reporting, natural capital, carbon and biodiversity to his role as Naturebased Solutions Program Coordinator, where he supports land scoping and procurement, project implementation and management, and reporting.
Spring wildflowers, Witchelina Nature Reserve.
Credit: Sam Hughes