Developing ecosystem services-based economic opportunities for Indigenous communities in northern Australia

Ecosystem services are the benefits people derive from nature in modern economies, both directly and indirectly from market and non-market values. Ecosystem services-based economies are designed to support incentive mechanisms to enable trading in these services and to protect nature. However, these opportunities do not current include Indigenous perspectives or socio-cultural values.

This project aims to advance economic opportunities for Indigenous communities across northern Australia by developing culturally appropriate ecosystem services-based economies.

The research will co-develop an inclusive, evidence-based toolkit and business model aligned to Indigenous preferences to support payments for ecosystem services. These frameworks will provide economic, environmental and socio-cultural benefits for communities.