We're not just facing an ecological crisis but an economic one. Nature is the cornerstone of the global economy; when it breaks down, everything else follows. Our food systems, our air and water, our homes and livelihoods all depend on the health of the natural world. Yet we continue to treat nature as optional, as something nice to have, rather than what it truly is: the foundation and the engine of our economy.
According to the World Economic Forum, over half of global GDP is moderately or highly dependent on nature, but this fact should surely state 100% as without the natural world all will fail. In the UK, we've pushed our landscapes to the brink and are now, according to the State of Nature report, one of the most nature-depleted countries on Earth. It's time to stop treating conservation as charity and start treating it as essential infrastructure.
Boldly pioneering how to break down barriers and turn nature restoration from an optional nicety to an economic necessity, the new book Scaling Conservation, by transformative environmentalist and CEO of Oxygen Conservation, Dr Rich Stockdale, is a galvanising call to action, revolutionising the way we value nature.
Making waves across the conservation and finance industries, Stockdale founded Oxygen Conservation in 2021 with Oxygen House with a simple hypothesis: show that nature is a bankable proposition, and that this can unlock huge capital flows to Scale Conservation and restore entire landscapes. With a growing natural capital portfolio currently valued at almost £200 million and actively transforming over 43,000 acres into thriving ecosystems, Oxygen Conservation clearly illustrates that this is possible.
Composed of thought-provoking articles written by Stockdale at pertinent points of the Oxygen Conservation story to date, each chapter of Scaling Conservation adds another crucial layer to the biodiversity journey. Delving into topics touching on their process of restoring landscapes, building high-performing teams in the environment sector and beyond, green finance, engagement and navigating the future, Stockdale expertly ignites a positive narrative of ambition and action, grounded in transparency and honesty. Each section concludes with recent reflections, reinforcing key principles and takeaways for the readers.
Published with the support of one the country's leading sustainable banks, Triodos Bank, Scaling Conservation is built upon the ideas, passions, and lessons learned by Stockdale and his team in the field and in the boardroom so far, celebrating the people who think differently and aim higher, the moments that tested their resolve, and the milestones that transformed vision into reality. Stockdale highlights the landscapes the team has revitalised, the revival of ecosystems they're witnessing, and the integral partnerships that have propelled this forward. Above all, Scaling Conservation underscores the power of people, the possibility of change, the potential (and necessity) of collaboration, and the promise of a future where conservation and prosperity coexist.
If we want to truly restore, safeguard, and invest in our planet, conservation cannot remain on the sidelines. It must become a driving force in our economy, culture, and daily lives, moving beyond the realm of volunteers and retirees. With natural capital, society can build a virtuous cycle that globally Scales Conservation efforts whilst also enabling innovation, competition, and collaboration. Whether you are a seasoned conservationist or forward-thinking investment professional, Scaling Conservation is the vital guide to understanding what's at stake and what is possible.
Scaling Conservation, written by Dr Rich Stockdale, is available to buy on Amazon and in all good bookshops from 17th June 2025.
