125. Environmental Entrepreneurship: The Business of Earthkeeping, with Cassinia’s Paul Dettman

Earthkeepers: A Circlewood Podcast on Creation Care and Spirituality

In these times of environmental crisis, it becomes crucial for us to think innovatively—even experimentally—to find ways to protect and advocate for the earth. In this conversation, Paul Dettmann shares insights into Cassinia, an organization dedicated to managing 30% of Australia's ecosystems for conservation. He discusses the journey of Cassinia from its inception, the challenges faced, and the innovative approaches taken in environmental entrepreneurship. The conversation explores the concept of encumbrance in land management, the role of mitigation banking, and the importance of community engagement in nature conservation. Paul emphasizes the need for creativity in nonprofit work and offers advice for organizations seeking to reimagine their approach to environmental stewardship. In this conversation, Paul shares insights on entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of embracing failure, curiosity, and innovative approaches to environmental solutions. He discusses the critical connection between human flourishing and nature flourishing, highlighting the role of relationships with Indigenous peoples and the transformative power of cross-cultural interactions. Paul also offers encouragement for finding hope in challenging times, advocating for humility and a focus on relationships as essential for both personal and environmental well-being.

Cassinia website

Takeaways

• Cassinia aims to manage 30% of Australia's ecosystems for conservation.
• The journey of Cassinia began with a focus on carbon conversations.
• Encumbrance on land titles is crucial for conservation efforts.
• Mitigation banking allows for compensating environmental impacts.
• Cassinia promotes natural communities that integrate people and nature.
• Personal connections to nature can inspire conservation efforts.
• Environmental entrepreneurship offers new possibilities for Earthcare.
• Cassinia operates as a for-purpose business, not a nonprofit.
• Creativity and innovation are essential in nonprofit work.
• Following threads of good ideas can lead to impactful projects. Embrace failure as a stepping stone to success.
• Curiosity about others can lead to innovative solutions.
• Human flourishing is intertwined with nature's flourishing.
• Building relationships with Indigenous peoples enriches understanding.
• Reconciliation is an ongoing process, not a one-time event.
• Humility is essential for personal and environmental growth.
• There are always opportunities to learn, even in difficult times.
• Innovative business models can emerge from challenging situations.
• Nature and people can thrive together through symbiotic relationships.
• Rethinking traditional models can lead to better outcomes for all.

Keywords: Cassinia, environmental entrepreneurship, nature conservation, ecological restoration, biodiversity, social entrepreneurship, land management, community engagement, mitigation banking, natural communities, entrepreneurship, failure, curiosity, environmental solutions, business models, human flourishing, indigenous peoples, cross-cultural relationships, hope, innovation, A Rocha USA, World Vision

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