Webinar: Building the Business Case for Nature

Event Details

Organiser:	Nature Positive Matters
Location:	Online
Cost:	Free
Target audience:	Cross sector corporate sustainability officers
Topics	Business case Getting started Risks Guidance
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Overview

In this webinar, business leaders will provide practical insights on building an internal business case for nature-related action.

Nature is rising on the corporate agenda. Internal buy-in is an essential first step for businesses to begin assessing and understanding their impacts and dependencies on nature, as well as the risks and opportunities these present.

In this panel discussion, attendees will hear insights from business leaders on how to successfully build a business case for nature. This includes securing executive and board buy-in, navigating internal pushback, and investing in the skills and tools needed to take action on nature.

Speakers will share their experiences and learnings. These could include:

Building and presenting the business case to internal teams, including the executive team and the board.
Key messages or moments that helped gain traction for nature-related action, including tips for securing buy-in.
Integrating nature-related action with climate strategy and reporting.
Approaches to building internal capability for nature-related risk assessment and disclosure.

Attendees will take away practical insights and lessons that may inform action to build internal support and advance nature-related activities within their business.

Speakers

Mark is the founder and CEO of the Capitals Coalition. As a collaborative leader, he brings extensive private sector experience, and as a dynamic public speaker and negotiator, he unites diverse views and perspectives around a shared vision.
Mark led the development of the Natural Capital Protocol and served on the board of the Social and Human Capital Coalition. Among other board and advisory roles, he is Co-Chair of the Impact Management Platform, sits on the Steering Committee for the Global Commons Alliance and the Nature Positive Initiative, and was one of the founders of Business for Nature.
He is also the Chair of Value Australia’s Advisory Board, a dedicated Capitals Coalition hub to drive momentum and collaboration across the region in the lead up to COP31 and beyond.
Ms Siobhan Toohill has a wealth of experience in corporate sustainability and governance and throughout her career has emphasised building frameworks for assessing, delivering and reporting social and environmental benefits.
As the first Chief Sustainability Officer for a major bank in Australia, Siobhan was responsible for Westpac Group's sustainability strategy, policy development and social impact programs, including Indigenous engagement, with accountability for climate, human rights, natural capital, sustainable finance and sensitive sector policies in response to emerging issues and evolving expectations. She led the establishment of key sustainability policies aligned with global frameworks, including Westpac’s Natural Capital Statement and Climate Change Action Plan. Including net zero transition planning.
Siobhan currently holds a number of board and committee roles including with the federal government’s Nature Repair Committee, Landcom, Greater Sydney Parklands, Alphinity Investment Management and as NSW Councillor with the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She is an active member of the Responsible Investment Association of Australasia.
She holds qualifications in science, architecture, leadership and design. Siobhan is the former Deputy Chair of the Green Building Council of Australia, and has held governance roles with UN entities, including with the Net Zero Banking Alliance and co-developing and overseeing the UN’s Principles for Responsible Banking. In 2024 she was recognised in the Global Top 100 Sustainability Professionals by Sustainability Magazine and topped the banking category in the AFR’s Women in Leadership awards.
Justin is the Sustainability Director at Lion and responsible for setting Lion’s ambitious ESG strategy focusing on environmental leadership and long-term positive social impact. Prior to Lion, Justin held various roles in Qantas for 6 years and was Operations Manager at the Koppers chemical plant in Kurnell for 11 years. Justin has a Chemical Engineering Degree and Master of Environmental Management.
With a career spanning across public and private sectors in legal, risk, strategy, finance and sustainability roles with several top 20 ASX listed companies, Bel has spent over 20 years working across Australia's food & fibre sector.
From an early role in government, to leading the national Agribusiness strategy for two of Australia’s big four banks, Bel currently leads Woolworths Groups’ climate and nature mission across Australia and New Zealand, focussed on supporting a sustainable and resilient food supply chain. She also leads the Groups climate and nature reporting, recognising the value of transparent reporting to a broad range of stakeholders to protect and grow long term company and customer value.
Carmel Onions leads sustainability initiatives for CommBank’s agribusiness customers, helping them manage risk and capture opportunities in climate resilience and natural capital. She has driven the launch of Australia’s first Sustainability Linked Loan for agriculture and the CommBank Agri Green Loan, alongside partnerships with Ruminati and Farming for the Future to quantify the economic benefits of trees on farm. Working closely with farmers and industry, Carmel focuses on practical pathways for sustainable, productive systems and evolving environmental markets. Passionate about empowering producers, she helps shape a future where profitability and sustainability work hand in hand across Australian agriculture.