Water Archives - GreenCollar

Introducing: Grazing Land Management Method

GreenCollar — Mon, 11 Sep 2023 01:18:10 +0000

New Ground-breaking Reef Credit Method for Grazing Land Management open for consultation

A new Grazing Land Management (GLM) Method that measures and values the reduction in sediment losses resulting from improved grazing land management has been published for public consultation under the Reef Credit Scheme. The proposed new Method will generate revenue for graziers that make changes to land management which result in reduced flow of fine sediment through to the Great Barrier Reef. Projects on any grazing land within the Great Barrier Reef catchments could be eligible to benefit. Here’s what you need to know about the Method and the opportunity.

What is a Reef Credit Method?

Methods are a fundamental element of all environmental markets. They prescribe the techniques used to measure and quantify outcomes from land management practices. They are a foundational tool for environmental markets like the Reef Credit Scheme, which aims to improve water quality at the Great Barrier Reef and are only approved after a detailed independent consultation and scientific peer review process. This ensures integrity of all credits produced under the Method.

How has the Grazing Land Management method been developed?

A unique and multiskilled partnership between GreenCollar, Verterra Ecological Engineering and AgriProve has brought together innovation, knowledge, and science, with experience in grazing land management, soil health, water quality and environmental markets to develop the Grazing Land Management Method. By working together to create the Method, the partners hope to deliver future opportunities for more land managers within the Reef catchments to undertake projects and generate revenue from Reef Credits. Importantly, the new Grazing Land Management Reef Credit Method has been developed to complement and work side by side with soil carbon crediting by improving soil carbon stores, as well as boosting grazing productivity from whole of property management planning.

How can the Grazing Land Management Method boost productivity?

Improved grazing land management offers multiple productivity, environmental, and agribusiness benefits, which is why this approach is promoted widely across the grazing industry. The new Method seeks to recognise the very real and important benefits improved grazing land management practice delivers for the health of the Reef and presents significant potential for land managers to boost revenue. By bringing together the complementary goals of improved pasture and soil health for graziers, and improved water quality for the Reef, the Grazing Land Management Method aims to incentivise and help graziers achieve a high level of ground cover before high intensity rainfall periods to reduce sediment run-off onto the Reef.

How does the Grazing Land Management Method work?

The proposed Method accounts for reductions in fine sediment losses that are achieved through improved grazing land management. Put simply, it uses historic measurements of sediment losses and tracks how changes in land management reduce the flow of sediment into waterways. After a series of accounting safeguards, independent audits and detailed reporting has been applied and verified, successful projects will be issued with Reef Credits for achieved reductions. Each Reef Credit is the equivalent of 538kgs of fine sediment prevented from flowing onto the Reef and, just like carbon credits, can be sold or traded to organisations that wish to support improvements in water quality.

What changes to land management need to occur?

The Method proposes that land managers develop a Grazing Land Management Plan which outlines their approach to improving grazing practice and soil health to increase ground cover, and ultimately reduce sediment run-off. Actions may include matching stocking rates to forage budgets and incorporating periods of rest. Infrastructure such as fencing and waterpoints may be incorporated, and up-to-date grazing charts must be provided to demonstrate that grazing practices align with increased ground cover and reduced sediment flow.

How are outcomes calculated?

The Grazing Land Management Method calculates the difference between historic and present-day sediment losses after land management changes have been implemented. Reporting periods are proposed to last between 12 months and five years, with changes in ground cover monitored monthly using remote sensing technology.

What happens next?

EcoMarkets Australia, the independent administrator of the Reef Credit scheme, is managing the independent consultation and peer review process – a fundamental element in developing and approving new Reef Credit Methods.

EcoMarkets Australia is accepting submissions throughout the public consultation period, which is due to end on 5th October 2023, after which the Method will be subject to independent scientific peer review.

Following the consultation and peer review process EcoMarkets Australia will work with the Method authors to address feedback before the Method is formally approved and adopted under the Reef Credit Standard. Once passed, the Grazing Land Management Method will join the four existing pathways for land managers to get involved in the scheme which include:

Managed Fertiliser Application
Reduction in Sediment Run-off through Gully Rehabilitation
Reduction of nutrient through Waste-Water Treatment
Reduction in Nutrient Run-off through Constructed Wetlands (currently being finalised)

Find out more about the Grazing Land Management Method and consultation process here

Find out how to get involved in Reef Credits here

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Reef Credits – three different approaches to meet different needs

GreenCollar — Mon, 19 Jun 2023 06:34:54 +0000

When Reef Credits launched in 2020, there was just one way farmers and other land managers could get involved – by improving fertiliser management to reduce the flow of dissolved inorganic nitrogen to the Great Barrier Reef. Now, three years later, there are two new ways to get involved that suit a broader spectrum of farming operations.

Repairing gullies to reduce sediment run-off

Under the Reduction in Sediment Run-Off Through Gully Rehabilitation method, farmers, graziers and other land managers can earn Reef Credits by achieving measured reductions in the flow of sediment to the Reef, by repairing gullies with work including earthworks, re-seeding and fencing.

GreenCollar Business Development Manager Bart Dryden said while the gully repair method is relatively new, it promises to deliver strong outcomes – both to land managers and the overall health of the Reef.

“Gully repair projects are complicated because we have to undertake detailed studies to determine how much sediment is coming from a gully to calculate reductions. And gullies are expensive to repair.”

“There is, however, a lot of potential as independent research suggests there are around 22,000 actively eroding gullies in the Great Barrier Reef catchment area, each producing between 176 to 370 tonnes of sediment per hectare each year.

“Over a 25 year project lifetime, the outcome from rehabilitating a gully and improved land management will be to save a lot of sediment and generate long term additional income, with one Reef Credit issued for every 536 kilograms of sediment prevented from flowing to the Reef.”

Reducing nutrient run-off through wetlands

Reducing nutrient run-off through treatment wetlands generates Reef Credits for measured reductions in dissolved inorganic nitrogen reaching the Great Barrier Reef.

Mr Dryden explained the wetland approach is a relatively new methodology, where run-off water was filtered through wetland treatment systems.

“What we are doing is using the biological denitrification process – which occurs in all natural wetlands – to benefit the Reef.

“Not every property will have a project opportunity for a wetland, but quite often there are naturally low-lying drainage areas on a farm where this approach can be constructed and effectively put in place without removing productive land from the farm.”

Reducing nutrient run off through Managed Fertiliser Application

The first Reef Credit method to be established was the Managed Fertiliser Application method – best suited to cane growers, banana growers and grain or fodder growers within the Great Barrier Reef catchment area.

Mr Dryden emphasised that although the ultimate goal is to reduce the flow of nitrogen to the Reef, the approach isn’t just about reducing fertiliser usage, but about identifying the right amount of fertiliser to be applied, at the right time, and in the right location to maximise efficiency.

“Land managers aren’t in the business of throwing money away on fertiliser, but it’s an expensive overhead, and one that is important for productivity. Managed fertiliser projects are about improving operational practices to help farmers get more out of the fertiliser they are using, which has a positive impact on running costs as well as earning additional income through Reef Credits.”

Identifying the win:win

All three approaches act in a complementary manner, allowing farmers and graziers to choose the most suitable action for their farming landscape and operational system.

Mr Dryden said the emphasis with any approach is to sit down with the land manager and determine a solution that best works for their area and their farming operations.

“Because of the infrastructure requirements around gully rehabilitation and constructing wetlands, it is important to get it right, and the initial consultation is a crucial part of this process.”

“The exciting opportunity with these approaches is taking areas that are difficult to manage (such as a gully), or that are relatively unproductive (such as a wet or drainage area), and making them a productive part of the farming enterprise.”

“They may not be productive in the sense of the agriculture operation, but they can become productive from a revenue perspective, diversifying income and helping improve farm viability over the longer term.”

Mr Dryden explained that Reef Credits help deliver returns to landholders for up to 25 years.

“While nitrogen projects are in place for ten years, the projects for gullies and wetlands extend for 25 years, so with the right approach and scale, both can make a valuable economic contribution to how a farm is managed,” Mr Dryden said.

Method	Managed Fertiliser Application	Constructed Wetlands	Gully Rehabilitation
Best suited to	Cane growers Banana growers Grain and fodder growers	Cane growers Banana growers Grain and fodder growers	Grazing operations
How it works	Reduces flow of Dissolved Inorganic Nitrogen (DIN) through improved fertiliser management	Reduces flow of Dissolved Inorganic Nitrogen (DIN) by using wetlands filtration systems	Reduces flow of fine sediment by repairing gullies
Length of project	Up to 10 years	Up to 25 years	Up to 25 years
Project action	Reducing quantity of nitrogen loss, relative to the project baseline period, through improved management practices and/or reduced nitrogen application.	Design and implementation of an eligible wetland treatment system within the Great Barrier Reef catchments.	Design and implement landscape rehabilitation to reduce the amount of sediment loss from gully erosion. Interventions many include: Engineered control structures Gully reshaping or capping Drainage diversion structures Soil amelioration Revegetation Grazing management

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Reef Credits or grants – carefully considering the best options for you

GreenCollar — Mon, 19 Jun 2023 06:12:34 +0000

You’ve heard about grants, and you’re hearing more about environmental markets and reef credits – what’s the difference between Reef Credits or Grants how do you know which is best for you?

What are environmental markets and credits?

Environmental markets are not dissimilar to farming or commodity markets. The difference being, instead of food or fibre production, environmental markets measure and place a value on and trade in cleaner air, water or improved habitat and biodiversity. . The most commonly known environmental markets are the carbon and more recently, biodiversity markets.

The way these markets work is that we measure, audit and verify outcomes achieved through farm based projects. The outcomes are expressed as Credits , which are then sold to governments, businesses or other buyers. The sale of these Credits generate a diversified revenue stream for land holders

Reef Credits is a water quality market which recognises the effort involved in changing farming practices to reduce the flow of pollutants onto the Great Barrier Reef. Farmers can earn income from the sale of Credits generates from improved fertiliser management, wetland treatment systems, or for gully rehabilitation that reduces sediment runoff.

Within the Great Barrier Reef catchments, Reef Credits are becoming an increasingly viable alternative or complement to grants, and can support business improvements and increased productivity.

Short-term problem solving vs. long-term income stream

GreenCollar Business Development Managers Bart Dryden and Tristan Robertson work in partnership with farmers, graziers and other land managers to develop Reef Credit projects on agricultural land. They say that land managers need to be clear on what they want to achieve through either credits or grants, and be aware of the way either system works and any limitations.

“Reef Credits are an independant voluntary market-based approach to improving water quality. Credits are only generated after a specific, measured outcome is achieved. In comparison, a grant usually provides upfront payment to achieve an outcome at a later date,” he said.

Mr Dryden points out that a big difference between grants and Reef Credits is that grants are a short-term opportunity where funds have to be used to address a specific issue.

“Reef Credits, in comparison, put money back in the pockets of land managers over the life of the project. Where the farmer or grazier achieves an outcome, they get paid directly for that outcome. Those funds can then be spent on their business, upgrading infrastructure, buying equipment or purchasing additional land. It is up to the individual how the returns from the credits are spent.”

Mr Dryden said a Reef Credit approach offers considerable potential for those looking at long-term improvements and a long-term return on investment.

“If land managers have previously gained a grant for property improvements and are considering the next steps, I would encourage them to talk to us, so we can talk through the possibilities.”

Making the right decision for you

“A Reef Credit assessment is a simple process that is completed at no cost to the land manager. If there has been grant funding for some work previously, we would take that into account, along with farm records, maps, and yield and fertiliser information.”

“Once we have an understanding of the farm and its operations, we can determine the potential for a viable project on the property.”

He said a Reef Credit project delivers long-term income as an incentive to make positive environmental changes.

“Grant funding can help address a problem, but land managers looking to make longer-term change and gain a diversified income should undoubtedly consider their options. “

“Once a Reef Credit project is in place, a rigorous methodology is applied to ensure the project is maintained, with ongoing auditing and verification to determine the generation of Credits.”

“For participants, this is about making changes that can, in turn, make a real difference to their business and the Reef environment. The fact that they are paid to make those changes is an additional bonus,” Mr Dryden said.

Working with Government Grants	Working with GreenCollar on Reef Credits
Short-term payment to fix a defined issue. How money is spent is highly prescribed.	Long-term financial incentive to improve operations and maintain improvements over time. How revenue is spent is up to you.
A form of financial assistance to get a job done.	A long-term partnership that values your contribution to the overall goal of improved water quality at the Reef.
Value of payment based on evaluation of application.	Value of payments based on measured, audited, ongoing outcomes for between 10-25 years.
Onus is on landholder to gather information, propose actions and budget, and submit application for review.	GreenCollar works in partnership with the landholder to co-design a project that suits your operation.
Acceptance of reward is legally binding – you are obligated to carry out the full terms and conditions of the grant.	Once a project plan is agreed, you can negotiate and sign project delivery agreement outlining who does what, the financial arrangements, confirmation of project period and agreed conditions.
Onus is on the landholder to do the paperwork.	GreenCollar works with you to complete the paperwork. GreenCollar finds the Reef Credit buyers and administers regular payments
Onus is on the landholder to do the paperwork.	GreenCollar works with you to complete the paperwork. GreenCollar finds the Reef Credit buyers and administers regular payments
Final financial and programmatic reports submitted to close out the grant process.	GreenCollar works with you to complete annual reporting and manage the sale of awarded Credits for a 10-25 year period.

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What are Reef Credits and how are they generated?

GreenCollar — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 03:51:14 +0000

In October 2020, North Queensland cane farmers Brain and Jamie Dore sold the first-ever Reef Credits to the global bank HSBC. In doing so, they paved the way for farmers to participate in a new environmental market focused on improving land management practices within the Great Barrier Reef catchments, and generating a new income stream based on improvements in water quality flowing onto the Reef.

Environmental markets value ecosystem services, such as storing carbon in regenerating vegetation, or restoring and protecting native habitat. In the case of Reef Credits, it means recognising the effort involved in changing farming practices to reduce the flow of pollutants onto the Reef. And most importantly, doing this without negatively impacting agricultural productivity.

Getting paid for land management best practice

Being paid to implement best practice land management and deliver cleaner water to the Reef, without negatively impacting productivity may seem too good to be true. But according to GreenCollar Business Development Manager Bart Dryden, and the numerous farmers already running Reef Credit projects, it really is a win:win transaction that benefits both the farmer and the environment.

“The two biggest land-based threats to the Great Barrier Reef are excess nitrogen and fine sediment. Reef Credits presents an opportunity for farmers within the Great Barrier Reef catchment to get paid for work that addresses both of those threats.

“Each Reef Credit represents 1kg of dissolved inorganic nitrogen or 538kg of sediment prevented from entering the Great Barrier Reef, so it places an economic value on work undertaken by farmers to improve water quality flowing onto the Great Barrier Reef.”

Generating up to six million Reef Credits by 2030

He said with estimates suggesting a market of up to six million Reef Credits by 2030, the potential is there for farmers and other land managers within the Great Barrier Reef catchments to gain an additional and regular income stream over 10–25-year timeframes.

“We know from farmers that are already involved in the scheme that running a Reef Credits project supports investment back into primary production activities and the continued adoption of sustainable practices,” says Mr Dryden.

“While the value of Reef Credits is variable depending on supply and demand, corporates, governments and others interested in protecting the Reef are supporting the scheme by purchasing credits to meet their environmental targets.”

Three ways to get involved

Mr Dryden explained that Reef Credits could be generated in three different ways. The first is by improving on-farm nutrient use efficiency, the second is by constructing wetlands to filter nutrients and reduce runoff, while the third focuses on gully rehabilitation to reduce fine sediment runoff.

“In a broad sense, the nutrient use efficiency projects are about improving current farm practices, while the wetlands and gully projects require capital investment.

“Of the three, the Managed Fertiliser Application method is currently most commonly adopted; however, the key message for farmers is that these improvements can be made sustainably and even increase their overall profitability.”

Mr Dryden said many farmers are already undertaking changes to adopt best land management practices, and a Reef Credit project supports the adoption of these practices financially over a 10-year period.

No-cost feasibility assessment

Mr Dryden said it is a relatively simple process to determine if a project is feasible.

“The first step is to do an assessment – which is at no cost to the farmer. We look at farm records and maps, and gather yield and fertiliser information. From this, we can quickly determine the inputs and productivity and see whether there is potential for a viable project.

“While property size is not necessarily a defining element, a general rule of thumb is that scale can be important. Generally, the bigger the farm, the more viable the project is likely to be; however, I would encourage anyone to talk to us to see if there is a solution that would work for them.”

Taking a farm-first approach

He said the important thing is that GreenCollar does not prescribe what farmers need to change.

“In our discussions, we always encourage farmers to work with their agronomists or other advisers to determine what changes, if any, would best suit their property or operation.

“For most, the changes being made are supported by industry best management practice. The option to generate and sell Reef Credits provides an additional incentive to make changes, with the bonus of delivering a diversified income for adopting best practice.”

According to Mr Dryden, the added income from Reef Credits can add up over the long term.

“Reef Credits are never going to be the main income for a farm. It’s about farming first, and then using Reef Credits as a complementary income source to support productivity.

“For managed fertiliser projects, a clear operational benefit is reducing fertiliser costs. Improving nutrient efficiency while maintaining productivity helps lower costs and puts more money in your pocket.”

A tried and tested scheme supported by farmers

Cane farmer, Jamie Dore, supports the Reef Credit approach.

“A key aspect of the Reef Credits program is based on the nutrient use efficiency model. It’s not just about reduction; it’s about getting the best bang for your buck in the nutrients that you do put on. It enabled us to focus very heavily on that, because when we achieve that nutrient use efficiency, we get paid for it, and that gives us money that we can reinvest back into the business.”

Mr Dryden said once a project is established, a robust set of procedures are put in place to determine the number of Reef Credits generated.

“At the start of the project, we establish a baseline from farm maps, and use soil tests to determine the yield on fertiliser inputs. Every year we remodel the property based on the data; the findings are independently audited and verified, and the Reef Credits are generated from those results.

Mr Dryden said the rigour applied ensures that Reef Credits encourages and pays for environmental change.

Mr Dore said the good thing about Reef Credits is that participants can put their hand on their heart and say they are making a difference.

“It’s all audited, and the records are there for everyone to see. It’s on a public registry, so the investors buying the Credits can have confidence that the on-ground work is really making a difference.”

Find out more about reef projects

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Beyond carbon credits: Investing in multiple environmental markets to meet sustainability goals

GreenCollar — Mon, 21 Nov 2022 23:30:55 +0000

For most businesses, hiding negative environmental impact, or trying to distract from it via charitable donations is thankfully, so last century. Fast forward to the cusp of 2023, and we’ve come a long way. Now, reducing carbon your footprint is standard operating procedure for many, and monitoring and measuring environmental impact is a priority for boards and the C-suite. Most leading businesses have enshrined sustainability targets into their environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) standards.

In other words, climate action has started to go mainstream in the business world. But releasing greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere isn’t the only negative impact businesses have had – and reducing their carbon footprint isn’t the only way they can do good. Water quality, plastic waste, biodiversity and the health of natural ecosystems; these are all pressing environmental issues. And as with carbon emissions, corporations can play an important role in ensuring these challenges are properly addressed.

Thankfully, businesses working to combat climate change don’t have to go it alone. A wide range of environmental market-based mechanisms are emerging to help meet (and even exceed) ESG goals, with carbon credits just one part of the solution.

In this article, we take a look at three new environmental markets that move beyond carbon. Each market focuses on a specific environmental issue, and provides a targeted, financially incentivised method to drive long-term behaviour change and put the environment on the balance sheet.

Environmental markets that move beyond carbon.

Plastic Credits

For years, the production of disposable plastics has outstripped our ability to process them, making plastic pollution one of the most pressing environmental issues facing the planet. Technically, it’s solvable: people can use fewer plastics, we can recycle, and companies can reduce plastic waste from their value chains.

Unfortunately, zero plastic isn’t an overnight option for some industries yet. But that doesn’t mean they can’t take action. Enter Plastic Credits, an environmental market designed to help reduce plastic waste in the aggregate, while enabling those who can’t (yet) go without to take ownership of their plastic footprint and make a positive difference.

A single Plastic Credit is generated when a verified plastic waste producer is able to remove, reuse or recycle one tonne of plastic from the environment. Currently, GreenCollar is working with banana farmers in Far North Queensland to responsibly discard or recycle the single-use plastic covers they have traditionally used to protect banana bunches as they ripen. The more covers they remove and recycle, the more Plastic Credits they earn – and the more credits other companies can purchase to help meet their ESG goals.

Reef Credits

In 2019, the Great Barrier Reef’s long-term outlook was downgraded to “very poor” – and things haven’t improved much since. One of the causes is fine sediment and dissolved inorganic nitrogen flowing into the reef from farmland across Queensland. Despite farmers’ best efforts, changing land management practice can be an expensive business, which is exactly the problem the Reef Credits Scheme seeks to solve.

The first water quality market of its kind in the world, Reef Credits pay farmers and land managers to make changes in how they use and look after their land. These can be subtle, such as changing the way they apply fertiliser, or more intensive rehabilitation projects to restore gullies or establish wetlands that naturally filter sediment from runoff. Either way, they result in less pollutants reaching the Great Barrier Reef without impacting productivity of the land, creating local jobs, and netting farmers extra income for their efforts.

Until last month, the Queensland Government was the largest buyer of Reef Credits. But Qantas has just committed $500,000 to purchase 20 per cent of all Reef Credits produced to date, paving the way for more businesses to invest in the health of the Great Barrier Reef. The bulk of the revenue made from the sale of Reef Credits goes straight to farmers, providing them with the additional income needed to make ongoing improvements to the land.

NaturePlus™ Credits

Biodiversity may well be the single most important aspect of a healthy planet. Everything, from the air we breathe and the food we eat, to the economy at large, relies on a great variety of plants, animals and microorganisms working in tandem to keep ecosystems in balance.

It’s no surprise, then, that businesses are beginning to take biodiversity loss seriously. By investing in programs that protect natural habitats and strengthen biodiversity, companies can help ward off catastrophe, while simultaneously assuring investors and stakeholders that they’re addressing one of the largest environmental challenges facing the planet.

And we’re not talking about protecting a piece of forest over here so you can clear one over there. NaturePlus™ Credits are focused on additionality with a view to achieving ‘Nature Positive’ outcomes that will see ecological systems improving and rebuilding by 2030.

While most payments for biodiversity outcomes are based on actions that are carried out with a view to improving biodiversity in the future, NaturePlus™ Credits are only awarded to projects that have already delivered third-party audited and certified improvement in environmental condition. This means investment in NaturePlus™ Credits represents positive outcomes for nature.

GreenCollar is running 20 NaturePlus™ pilot projects in Australia with a view to valuing and rewarding adaptive land management that delivers benefits for native ecosystems and species. The first credits are expected to come to market in early 2023.

Environmental markets: the way forward

According to a 2021 report by the UN Environment Programme, over AU$11 trillion worth of investments need to be made in nature-based projects by 2050 if the planet is to come out the other side of the interlinked climate, biodiversity and land degradation crises it currently faces.

That sounds like a lot of money – and for any individual, it is. But with robust, science-backed environmental markets working to make investment in the environment that much smoother and more rewarding for companies, it’s not only an achievable goal, but a desirable one.

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The flow-on benefits of Reef Credits

GreenCollar — Wed, 22 Dec 2021 04:48:44 +0000

With 18,000 Reef Credits recently sold to the Queensland Government by five sugarcane growers from rural Queensland, we think it’s time that land managers found out a bit more about them. Read on for information about how to get involved, and how you too might benefit from Reef Credits.

What are Reef Credits?

A Reef Credit values the on-farm work undertaken by farmers and other land managers to improve water quality flowing onto the Great Barrier Reef.

The Reef Credits Scheme is the first water quality market of its kind in the world. It pays land managers for improved water quality resulting from their on-farm actions, without compromising the productivity of their land.

The development of the Reef Credit Scheme

The Reef Credit Scheme was pioneered by GreenCollar in partnership with the Queensland agricultural industry, land managers, the Queensland Government and natural resource management organisations Terrain NRM and NQ Dry Tropics.

After its development in October 2018, the Reef Credits Scheme announced its first ever private and public sector buyers in October 2020 – HSBC Australia and the Queensland Government.

How do Reef Credits work?

Reef Credits measure, value and monetise improvements in the quality of water flowing into the Great Barrier Reef as a result of changes in land management. Reef Credits can be generated from projects using one or a combination of the following methodologies:

Reduction in Sediment Run-Off Through Gully Rehabilitation. This method measures reductions in fine sediment run-off reaching the Great Barrier Reef by rehabilitating eroding gullies. Projects may include river bank stabilisation, earthworks and revegetation.
Reduction in Nutrient Run-Off Through Managed Fertiliser Application. This method measures the reduction in Dissolved Inorganic Nitrogen (DIN) reaching the Great Barrier Reef. Projects include improved farm practices across cane, banana, grains, fodder and horticulture.
Reduction in Nutrient Run-Off through wetlands. This method is under development and will measure the reduction in Dissolved Inorganic Nitrogen (DIN) reaching the Great Barrier Reef via wetlands.

What are the benefits of the Reef Credit Scheme?

Reef Credits provide diversified and regular income over 10 to 25-year timeframes. This supports investment back into primary production and the implementation of sustainable practices.

“It’s good for the community, it’s good for your soil health, and also it’s good for the reef, so it’s a win for everyone. In my mind this is a farming system, moving forward, that is going to increase my productivity”

– Adrian Darveniza, South Johnstone Farming Company

GreenCollar estimates that the market could be worth over 6 million Reef Credits by 2030. With the reef listed as highly vulnerable, protecting this international icon’s future isn’t just of national importance, but is a matter of global significance. A significance that will continue to drive value (and investment) for Reef Credits into the future. Biodiversity loss is a challenge that is now understood to be on par with the severity of climate change. The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most fragile and biodiverse places on the planet. Purchasing credits that ensure the health of the reef will be of increasing ESG value to governments, companies and individuals.

How to get involved

Contact GreenCollar by phone or email to have an initial discussion or arrange a free assessment. We’re happy to arrange a site visit to determine whether a project is possible, and which type of project best suits your operations.

Reef Credits are a way to drive environmental benefits for the Great Barrier Reef, while promoting increased productivity in existing farm systems. As Peter Anderson from Sweet Cane Ltd. In Tully puts it, it’s “a win for us on the farm, and a win for the reef”.

Contact:

Bart Dryden – 0400 705 830

Bart.dryden@greencollar.com.au

Tristan Robertson – 0422 273 577
Tristan.robertson@greencollar.com.au

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Over 18,000 Reef Credits sold

GreenCollar — Thu, 14 Oct 2021 03:06:03 +0000

Over 18,000 Reef Credits sold by QLD sugarcane farmers

Media release: Five sugarcane farming businesses have successfully sold 18,000 Reef Credits to the Queensland Government as a result of changes to land management practices which prevented 18 tonnes of Nitrogen pollution from flowing to the Great Barrier Reef.

The announcement follows the successful sale of the first-ever Reef Credits in October 2020, generated by North Queensland cane growers Brian and Jamie Dore, and purchased by global bank HSBC.

Each Reef Credit represents 1kg of nitrogen prevented from flowing into the Great Barrier Reef – a verifiable and measurable outcome in terms of water quality improvement.

Carole Sweatman, General Manager, Water, for GreenCollar who developed the projects in partnership with the farmers said: “This is another fantastic vote of confidence for the expansion of the Reef Credits market in the coming months and years, with this latest sale bringing the total number of Reef Credits issued to approximately 25,000 – which means 25 tonnes of Nitrogen has been prevented from flowing to the Reef.”

“Recognising and valuing the important role of farmers and graziers is not only key to reaching longer term water quality targets but provides long term income that helps pay for on-farm improvements, without compromising the productivity of their land,” she said.

There are now two different improvements that land managers can implement on their properties to generate Reef Credits: managed fertiliser application to reduce nutrient run-off, and gully rehabilitation to reduce sediment run-off. GreenCollar is also working with land managers to develop a third methodology focusing on wetland projects.

Sweet Cane Director Peter Anderson, who has a Reef Credit Project in Tully commented: “Our neighbours were the first farmers to be issued Reef Credits and introduced us to how it works as a commercial transaction, with a number of potential buyers from government to corporate.

“Participating has sharpened our focus on only applying nutrients that are required by the crop – if less fertiliser can be used without impacting productivity, that means lower costs and high profitability.

“In that sense it’s a win/win, as the additional income stream will enable us to continue to invest in industry leading technology and equipment to drive improved outcomes for our farm and also benefiting the Reef,” Mr Anderson said.

The Reef Credit Scheme was developed through a partnership with GreenCollar, Terrain Natural Resource Management, NQ Dry Tropics, researchers, industry and the community. The Queensland government funded Wet Tropics Major Integrated Project (MIP) which has purchased the new Credits, is one of the Queensland Government’s flagship projects under the $270 million Queensland Reef Water Quality Program and played a significant role in supporting the creation of the Reef Credit Scheme.

The Reef Credit Scheme is an independent market mechanism established to measure, value and market audited water quality improvements for Queensland’s iconic Great Barrier Reef. It is Australia’s first voluntary environmental market and the world’s first Reef Credit Scheme.

The scheme is now managed by independent, not-for-profit company, Eco-Markets Australia.

Details of projects:

Jamie and Brian Dore – Dore and Co Pty Ltd, located in Tully, FNQ

Peter Anderson – Sweet Cane Pty Ltd, located in Tully, FNQ

Wayne Gattera – TWA Farms and Gattera and Devaney Farms located in South Johnstone, FNQ

Adrian Darveniza – South Johnstone Farming Company, located in South Johnstone, FNQ

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Restore the future – invest in a healthy reef

GreenCollar — Tue, 11 May 2021 11:42:26 +0000

Webinar: Restoring the Future – Investing in a Healthy Reef

]GreenCollar CEO, James Schultz, joined Greening Australia in its second ‘Restoring the Future’ webinar to discuss how the creation of new markets like Reef Credits addresses crucial environmental issues by paying land managers for on-farm actions. Discover more about Reef Credits here.

This webinar was hosted by Greening Australia, the original recording can be found here.

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HSBC and Qld Govt purchase world-first Reef Credits

GreenCollar — Thu, 22 Oct 2020 10:57:43 +0000

HSBC and the Queensland Government purchase world-first Reef Credits

The Great Barrier Reef is an iconic Australian landmark that attracts thousands of tourists every year. It is valued at $56 Billion, contributing $6.4 Billion to the national economy and supporting more than 64,000 jobs, making its health an economic as well as an environmental issue. Recognising the significance of the Reef in Australia and internationally, HSBC and the Queensland Government will be the first-ever private and public sector buyers of Reef Credits.

Reef Credits are a tradable unit that quantifies and values the work undertaken by landholders to improve water quality flowing onto the Great Barrier Reef. Working in partnership with farmers and graziers, GreenCollar creates projects that improve the water quality of Great Barrier Reef catchments and that generate Reef Credits. These Reef Credits can then be sold, paying landholders for improved water quality resulting from their on-farm actions – all without compromising the productivity of their land.

Jamie Dore’s cane farm near Tully, North Queensland, is the first recipient of Green Collar’s Reef Credits, purchased by HSBC Bank, for environmental efforts on his property to reduce the affect to the Great Barrier Reef

The Reef Credit Scheme is the first of its kind in the world, and was conceived in response to the growing consensus that we needed a market-mechanism to incentivise water quality improvements across catchments of the Great Barrier Reef.

Reef Credits are tracked against internationally recognised targets and based on actual reduction in pollutants entering the reef, offering a measurable and audited water quality outcome for buyers. We estimate that the market could be worth over 6 Million Reef Credits by 2030, opening the door for more businesses to invest in the future of the reef as part of their environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategies.

Importantly, Reef Credits also provide an opportunity to recognise, value and monetise the critical actions farmers and landholders undertake to provide cleaner water to the Great Barrier Reef. We aim to build long-term partnerships with landholders to integrate sustainable practices into their existing operations, ultimately improving the productivity of their land and generating an additional, diversified income stream.

The sale of the first Reef Credits is an important step towards improving water quality of the Great Barrier Reef, and preserving this icon for future generations.

Natural resource management organisations, Terrain NRM and NQ Dry Tropics, have teamed up with us to develop the Reef Credit Scheme in collaboration with industry groups, research organisations, the Queensland government and regional communities.

You can read more about The Reef Credit Scheme here.

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‘Scientist for a Day’ at Babinda Reef Carbon Project

GreenCollar — Mon, 01 Apr 2019 00:23:23 +0000

Check out this video from our hands-on ‘Scientist for a Day’ at our Babinda Reef Carbon Project site.

Situated only 20km upstream from the Great Barrier Reef, the Babinda project focuses on reducing pollution that enters our waterways. The project involves the rehabilitation of native rainforests and wetlands, which act as a natural water filter protecting the Reef from run off.

The Babinda project is a collaborative partnership with TROPwater from James Cook University, Brisbane and Jaragun NRM group, led by Indigenous Elder Dennis Ah-Kee. Thanks to Earthwatch Australia for an amazing day! And a huge thank you to Qantas Future Planet for their support.

‘Scientist for a Day’ gave our stakeholders a day out in the sun and showed them what it takes to conduct research and monitoring in the field. Participants were involved in tree planting, data collection and species identification, all part of our usual surveying techniques. The occasion allowed our staff to meet face-to-face with partners, landholders and researchers from a range of organisations.

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