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Environment and Heritage
Environment and Heritage

From intention to impact: how businesses are powering biodiversity action in New South Wales

Biodiversity is the foundation of a thriving economy, from the air we breathe to the food and materials we consume. But with our ecosystems under threat, how can businesses better support this valuable driver of the economy – our biodiversity.

 

Consumers are increasingly holding businesses accountable for how they operate. In fact, 85% of NSW residents believe businesses can play a bigger role in conservation, with 4 in 5 people more likely to support a business that contributes towards conservation (YouGov Galaxy, 2021).

Genuine environmental action not only builds consumer trust – it also drives long-term sustainability and resilience, 2 things most businesses are striving for in an increasingly competitive and conscious marketplace.

Despite a desire to act, many organisations don’t know where to start.

To help spark some inspiration, here are a few ways organisations are taking action to help protect our precious threatened species and ecosystems across New South Wales.

Start with a conversation about conservation

Express your interest or reach out to a relevant contact or organisation.

Making contact and having a conversation might sound simple, but it can also be the most direct and effective way to explore what is possible.

Daniel Lovett, Safety, Environment and Stakeholder Manger, NorthWestern Roads says, ‘NorthWestern Roads takes its stewardship role caring for threatened species who call the Westlink M7 corridor home. When we read the Partnering with Purpose newsletter, we saw an opportunity to further our existing efforts and explore how we could work together with a recognised program like Saving our Species. We are looking forward to seeing what could be possible.’

Value in-kind

Small businesses are using their skills and expertise to make a big impact.

Trying to save a species that’s hard to find is a problem many conservationists face. The critically endangered Wyong sun orchid (Thelymitra adorata) is one of these hidden species. It is hard to see unless it's flowering, which makes monitoring a difficult task. When hearing about this challenge, dog training and behaviour modification organisations The Good Dog and On the Scent Canine Detection wanted to investigate to see if their conservation detection dogs could be trained to use their strong sense of smell to help find this orchid.

‘This project piqued our interest as we saw it as an excellent opportunity to challenge ourselves and the dogs whilst supporting threatened species conservation and biodiversity local to where we both live,’ says Mel Daly, owner and dog trainer, The Good Dog.

‘Filling out the online partnership expressions of interest form gave us the opportunity to put our specialised training to use and make a real difference in the unique environment around us,’ says Philly Carruthers, owner and dog trainer, On the Scent Canine Detection.

Strategic support

Raising awareness, sharing conservation messages and being a champion for our threatened species cannot be underestimated.

The power of information sharing increases the reach of conservation efforts. It can help nurture a sense of collective responsibility, motivating people from all walks of life to actively engage in preserving the natural world. Business NSW has been supporting Saving our Species by sharing practical actions and steps with their members on how they can adopt sustainable practices and support conservation initiatives. This cumulative effect can lead to significant improvements in biodiversity.

'Small businesses can play a crucial role in educating the broader community. Some are developing innovative models that integrate conservation into their core operations to benefit local ecosystems and share the benefits with their customers,’ said Dan Macias, General Manager, Membership, Partnerships and Strategy for Business NSW.

Opportunities to support local biodiversity exist right across New South Wales

These partner stories show how businesses of any size, whether a large or a small business, can play a role in supporting our environment and biodiversity. It all starts with a simple conversation about conservation. For help or more information about how to get started contact the Saving our Species partnerships team.

  • The dirt, vegetation, and what is perhaps a small creek beneath a raised bike lane and a raised highway, both separate and with guard rails
    M7 nature corridor – where infrastructure and biodiversity intersect
    M7 nature corridor – where infrastructure and biodiversity intersect
    Image Credit: Brett Boardman
  • Two brown-and-white spaniels and one black-and-white spaniel sitting on the tailgate of an SUV, gazing seriously toward the camera
    Pups on patrol: scent-detection dogs Paddy, Sully and Vera
    Pups on patrol: scent-detection dogs Paddy, Sully and Vera
    Image Credit: Philly Carruthers, On The Scent
  • Coastal cafe with outdoor deck, serving customers overlooking ocean and trees
    Many small businesses are adopting sustainable practices
    Cape Byron Lighthouse Cafe at Cape Byron State Conservation Area
    Image Credit: John Spencer/DCCEEW
  • A group of 7 people in long-sleeved, full-length sunsafe bush-safe clothing and hats in a small clearing among trees and scrub
    Small businesses can make a difference in biodiversity conservation
    Bush regeneration volunteers as part of 'Nature Nomads' in Yuraygir National Park
    Image Credit: Nick Cubbin/DCCEEW

More information

Contact us

Saving our Species partnerships

Email: [email protected]

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