Odonata

Odonata is not a farm, per se. It is an organisation that supports biodiversity solutions on farms across Australia. Founded by Nigel Sharp, a biodiversity impact investor with a long-term passion for conservation, Odonata uses business as a tool for regenerating ecosystems and growing the populations of endangered species. Within its portfolio is Mount Rothwell, a 420-hectare property that has managed the conservation of some of Australia’s most threatened fauna species, including the eastern barred bandicoot and eastern quoll. The team works with farmers, investors and researchers on eight farms across Australia. Nigel shares his story and holistic vision for each farm Odonata takes on, outlining his seven pillars of success which he calls, “The Seven Cs.”

NIGEL SHARP ON

BUILDING A BUSINESS THAT SUPPORTS BIODIVERSITY

My father was ahead of his time: a farmer focused on conservation back in the ’70s. There was a lot of over-clearing happening in western Victoria then—salinity and erosion had become a problem. And he had us out planting trees along