Dr Liz Heagney knows what it takes to turn complex ecology into clear, investable insight. After more than a decade shaping biodiversity policy, research and investment (rom billion-dollar programs to one of the world’s largest natural capital studies) she now leads analytics and portfolio at Skjander. We sat down with her to explore how science and strategy come together to build credible nature markets.

Institutional investors have embraced carbon as an asset class. Now biodiversity is stepping into view - and with it, an opportunity to diversify, protect value, and deliver measurable impact. For investors looking beyond short-term market cycles, biodiversity is no longer peripheral, it’s becoming essential.

Amid market volatility, nature offers something rare: true diversification. As macroeconomic uncertainty persists and climate-linked risks escalate, institutional investors are looking for new ways to balance their portfolios. Nature-based assets are emerging as a compelling opportunity - offering not only climate and biodiversity benefits, but also return profiles distinct from traditional markets.

As biodiversity markets take shape and nature impact becomes a firm part of the climate and sustainability agenda, companies need practical ways to align with nature positive goals. Our recent event in Sydney provides one example: making events nature positive.

With policy, science, and finance increasingly aligning, new biodiversity markets are taking shape — and institutional capital is starting to move. This article unpacks the drivers behind the shift and why now is a pivotal moment to invest in nature.