Dr. Rounaq Nayak, Senior Lecturer in Farming Systems, recently completed a project funded the National Innovation Centre Rural Enterprise (NICRE) that aimed to identify the mechanism whereby emerging natural capital investment markets can contribute to a successful rural economy.
This was achieved in two ways. First, by examining how rural enterprises navigate voluntary carbon and other natural capital investment markets and how they overcome and exploit potential limitations and barriers. Secondly, by identifying priorities related to the enterprise and innovation potential of natural capital investment markets and the resources required to achieve this.
Through an infographic and animation, the project helps to inform local and regional policies and support rural enterprises’ engagement with carbon markets.
The findings point to the need for clearer ethical guidelines, stronger partnerships with rural communities, and better support for diverse land ownership models.
To help address these issues, an animated guide offering ten practical tips for entering the carbon market and an infographic explaining key principles for navigating these opportunities were produced.