+Nature Paradigm
Forging a path to a nature positive “eco”nomy.
Forging a path to a nature positive “eco”nomy
+Nature raises awareness and seed funding to value ecosystems so whales, forests, sea flora and grasslands can enter markets as critical living assets for all life on Earth.
Our current economy as an “engineered extractive economy” and cannot be sustained. It is based on a consumption-driven model of “growth for the sake of growth” and treats nature as an externality, creating a future “ecological and resource debt” for future generations.
If we continue to treat nature as expendable, we risk the very foundations of life on Earth. Through our youth led organization we support a public facing team addressing the urgent need for a nature positive economy. Our +Nature initiative works to offset economic growth with ecological regeneration.
Our mission:
Advancing nature-based solutions to sustain life on earth. Through our work with youth, published research experience, artful storytelling, and collaboration with the growing number of carbon market creators, we see a nature positive future. We like to call it collaborocean. Together with Blue Green Future, known for their groundbreaking ecosystem feasibility and methodology practices at the fore of natural asset valuation, we see a viable path forward, one where economic systems work with nature instead of against it. Valuing nature for what it is: the true market that sustains us.
We see living ecosystems as assets that provide essential services like clean water and air, carbon capture, biodiversity, and ecosystem resilience.
Why it matters: We help develop nature-positive solutions that benefit the market, communities, ecosystems, and future generations. Our role is catalytic, bridging the gap between pre-valuation and lasting financing so projects don’t stall due to the lack of funding.
Key Principles
Filling the Valuation Gap: Without credible methodology and feasibility studies, valuation of nature cannot enter markets. +Nature raises seed funding to fill this gap.
Inclusive Stewardship: Work with local and Indigenous communities to ensure equitable participation in market solutions.
Nature Wealth Fund: Nature wealth funds are established to ensure the long-term flow of funding to nature and stewards of nature.
Completeness: Valuation is only the first step, once methodology and feasibility is complete, we amplify the results through education, visiting the habitat sites, create outreach materials, and promote the valuation to potential investors.
Credibility: Our seasoned youth staff, student involvement, along with +Nature’s board of veterans in conservation, we provide a new direction in conservation, one that provides an opportunity to truly sustain the boots on the ground protecting natural capital in perpetuity.
We fund the critical first step: getting natural assets valued by Blue Green Future. We then promote these valued projects into high-integrity opportunities for funders and investors, ensuring benefits flow directly back to local stewards.
A PLUS INVESTOR +NATURE MODEL
By assigning financial value to natural carbon storage, biodiversity, keystone species, and ecosystem restoration projects, nature is no longer on the short end of the zero sum game.
Recognizing and assigning a proper value to nature as an asset class in the financial markets deters habitat and biodiversity loss, because thriving ecosystems are given a price that can exceed their extraction value. +Nature aims to bring natural capital into the marketplace by raising funds to facilitate projects like reforestation, regenerative farming, coastal restoration, and keystone species conservation through contributions from impact-driven philanthropy, corporate sponsors, and individuals wanting to realize a living-nature economy. Our goals are to bring awareness to this paradigm and help fill the financial gap at the front end of projects, seeding the valuation expense necessary for projects to become available to the market. Once in the market, this asset class provides financial returns for investors, financial support for local and indigenous people protecting the natural asset, and support for nature’s regeneration, hence a plus investor/plus nature paradigm.
Our Unique Role
We create artful educational materials and presentations to stimulate interest and promote a nature positive economy.
We find funding to ignite the critical first steps collaborating with Blue Green Future.
Without the necessary feasibility and methodology development, projects cannot scale into markets. With it, they become investable, insurable, and financeable. We then package these valued projects into high-integrity opportunities for funders and investors, ensuring benefits flow directly back to local stewards.
+Nature support enables:
Forward Contracts — upfront investment fuels technology deployment today.
Catalytic Capital Donations — Fund scientific methodology for valuation and pre-feasibility financial modeling to create pitch decks to investors
Verified Credits — investors receive transparent, high-integrity returns
Article 6 of the Paris Agreement — In alignment with the tools to facilitate carbon market convergence.
How it works
The 9 Steps to Market
1. Secure legal ownership of natural assets
2. Assess ecosystem health and potential
3. Design evidence-based restoration
4. Value Nature’s services via advanced models
5. Monitor with technology (satellites, drones, LiDAR, eDNA)
6. Verify with trusted third parties
7. Track assets on secure ledgers
8. Sell forward contracts
9. Deliver verified credits to market
10. None of this can enter the state of play without seed funding
WE FUND THE FIRST STEPS IN BUILDING NATURE MARKETS
Flagship Markets in Collaboration with Blue Green Future
Whale to High Seas Regeneration – Valuing whales as ocean resilient engineers and carbon sinks.
Buffalo to Grassland Regeneration – Keystone restoration of American grasslands via buffalos.
Sea Otter to Kelp Regeneration – Protecting otters to regenerate kelp forests.
NC Trees to Biodiversity Regeneration – Forest protection and restoration as scalable assets.
Bears to Forest Regeneration – Quantifying the impacts of plastics on brown bears and the essential relationship between bears and the tree canopy.
Elephants to Forest Regeneration — Protecting forest elephants restores the forest and brings funding to the Indigenous community.
Who is interested in investing in nature-based markets?
1. Voluntary Markets Companies and industries seeking to offset their carbon footprint participate here. These include corporate ESG commitments and voluntary carbon markets (VCMs) where businesses invest in projects like reforestation, whale protection, and kelp restoration to meet sustainability goals and customer expectations.
Examples:
Delta Airlines — invested millions in offsets, including forest conservation, as it works toward net-zero aviation.
Microsoft — committed to being carbon negative by 2030, it purchases nature-based credits like reforestation and soil carbon projects.
Whale Carbon Projects (in development) — companies are preparing to fund carbon credit systems centered around the protection of whales.
Why it matters: These markets respond to consumer pressure and investor expectations. Voluntary credits help industries lead on climate action before regulations catch up.
2. Compliance Markets These are mandatory systems where regulations require companies to reduce or compensate for emissions. Compliance markets are tied to policies such as mandatory ESG disclosures, cap-and-trade systems, or sector-specific regulations. Natural assets become a critical part of how firms meet legally enforced climate targets.
Examples:
California Cap-and-Trade Program — mandates reductions for major emitters, allowing them to purchase credits from approved projects, including forest conservation.
China’s National ETS — launched in 2021, already the largest single-country carbon market, covering 2,000+ power plants.
EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) — the world’s largest compliance carbon market, covering power plants, factories, and airlines.
Why it matters: Compliance markets ensure legal accountability. By incorporating nature-based credits, they direct billions in capital into ecosystem protection and restoration.
3. Sovereign Markets Governments are increasingly valuing and trading natural capital as part of their international climate and biodiversity commitments. Through Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, countries invest in and exchange verified credits from projects like forest protection or marine restoration. These sovereign-level markets tie national economies directly to the health of ecosystems.
Examples:
African nations (e.g., Gabon, Kenya) — pursuing programs to monetize forests, mangroves, and biodiversity under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.
Bahamas to Monetize Seagrass Carbon Credit Climate Finance Deal — The project will use carbon credits generated from the Bahamas’ seagrass ecosystems to raise funding through a new financial product called Sovereign Carbon Securities.
Costa Rica’s Debt-for-Nature Swap — reduced national debt in exchange for commitments to conserve forests and fund biodiversity projects.
Why it matters: Sovereign markets put entire nations on a pathway where protecting nature is directly tied to economic stability and international financing.
Key Point:
Across voluntary, compliance, and sovereign markets, nature-based solutions create a future where ecosystems are recognized as assets, not expendable resources.
Myths vs. Facts: Understanding Nature Markets
We simplify complex ideas, debunk concerns, and build understanding so the public, policymakers, and investors can see why the time is now during the 6th mass extinction and accelerating climate change.
Myth 1: “Putting a dollar value on whales ignores their intrinsic worth.”Fact: Valuing whale services does not replace or diminish their cultural, spiritual, or intrinsic importance. It adds an economic lens that speaks the language of markets and policymakers, the systems most responsible for environmental decline. By highlighting whales’ role in carbon sequestration, fisheries health, and ecosystem stability, we strengthen protection where intrinsic arguments alone have fallen short.
Myth 2: “Nature-based markets only support Wall Street.” Fact: These markets direct capital to the people and places protecting ecosystems. While investors may participate, the true beneficiaries are local and Indigenous stewards, conservation scientists, and community partners who safeguard biodiversity. It’s a living market, rewarding those who work on the ground to keep ecosystems thriving.
Myth 3: “Nature markets just let polluters keep polluting.” Fact: Nature markets don’t excuse pollution; they make polluters pay for the real cost of keeping nature alive. Today, destruction is cheap because ecosystems are undervalued. By pricing their services, companies must invest in conservation and restoration, creating a market signal that funds long-term ecological health.
Myth 4: “You have to cut down or sell nature to create value.” Fact: Nature is worth the most when it is alive and thriving. Forests, whales, and seagrass capture more carbon and sustain more biodiversity when left intact. Our model ensures communities retain ownership of their assets, and markets are also rewarded for supporting healthy natural assets. The destruction of nature continues with or without nature-based solutions. Through our work, we give nature a fighting chance with reciprocity as the key.
Myth 5: “Nature markets are too complex for the public to understand.” Fact: While valuations use advanced science and models, the concept is simple: healthy ecosystems provide services we all rely on, clean air, water, food, and climate stability. We break down complexity into accessible education so everyone, from students to policymakers, can see why the time is now.
Myth 6: “Nature-based solutions are just greenwashing.” Fact: High-integrity projects undergo rigorous monitoring and third-party verification. Satellites, drones, eDNA, and blockchain-ledger tracking ensure transparency and accountability. Greenwashing happens when corners are cut, +Nature funds the science-based valuations to prevent it.
Myth 7: “These solutions won’t scale fast enough to matter.” Fact: Nature is already the most powerful carbon removal technology on Earth. With proper valuation and investment, markets can scale rapidly, restoring millions of acres of land and ocean while financing conservation far beyond what philanthropy alone can achieve.
Myth 8: “This is just charity — markets won’t invest in nature.” Fact: Markets already rely on nature — for water, soil, raw materials. The issue is that destruction is valued, while preservation is ignored. By establishing credible valuations and forward contracts, conservation becomes financially viable, investable, and scalable.
Call-to-Action contact: Bonnie@PLUSnature.org or visit: www.plusnature.org
+Nature empowers communities with the knowledge and tools to understand how living nature markets work. Through accessible educational programs, presentations, and storytelling, +Nature helps people grasp how recognizing living nature as an asset class drives restoration rather than extraction. By investing in nature-based solutions, we not only regenerate ecosystems but also create meaningful jobs for local stewards — the people who care for and protect these landscapes. At the same time, these investments open new opportunities for investors to profit from the growth of living nature, aligning financial returns with ecological health.
Executive Board
Andrew Schroeder
Board President
Andrew “Andy” Schroeder has spent his career working to protect and restore Alaska’s marine ecosystems. Originally from Ohio’s Little Miami watershed, Andy first arrived in Alaska as a U.S. Coast Guard officer. He went on to found and lead a conservation nonprofit for 17 years, focusing on the health of Alaska’s oceans and coastlines. In 2011, he co-founded a research vessel company that conducts oceanographic sampling, along with fisheries, seabird, and marine mammal surveys across the North Pacific. Most recently, he helped launch the Ocean Plastics Recovery Project, an initiative aimed at scaling marine debris cleanup while creating recycling pathways for recovered materials. Andy brings a deep commitment to environmental stewardship, scientific collaboration, and innovation in ocean conservation.
Ann Stewart
Board Secretary
Ann Stewart brings decades of global experience to +Nature, with a career rooted in environmental diplomacy and sustainable development. A former U.S. Foreign Service Officer, Ann served for 22 years with the Department of State, with postings in Haiti, Colombia, Costa Rica, and China. In her role with the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, she advised on regional environmental policy and played a key role in establishing 12 international environmental hubs. Her work has contributed to global initiatives such as the Afghan Conservation Corps, the Peru-Ecuador border peace park, and early warning systems following the 2004 Indonesian tsunami. Since retiring in 2006, Ann has trained U.S. diplomats in environmental and climate policy. She holds degrees in Spanish, French, and International Business Affairs from the University of Kentucky, and has pursued postgraduate studies in environmental economics and policy. Ann is a recipient of multiple U.S. Department of State awards and Colombia’s Orden de San Carlos.
Brian Morgan
Board Treasurer
Brian Morgan is a strategic thinker and entrepreneur with a passion for innovation and sustainable growth. With a diverse background spanning investment, startups, real estate, and finance, Brian brings a keen ability to identify untapped opportunities and develop forward-looking solutions. He is known for his blend of analytical precision and creative problem-solving, as well as his talent for navigating complex business landscapes with emotional intelligence and collaborative leadership. A strong advocate for partnerships that drive positive impact, Brian’s work consistently reflects his commitment to fostering innovation and building meaningful, lasting value across industries.
Board Members
John Gove
Member
John Gove is a farmer, photographer, and storyteller with a deep-rooted connection to land and community. Raised on a fruit and vegetable farm in Massachusetts, John developed an early appreciation for sustainable food systems and food security. His love for the outdoors fuels a broader passion for environmental conservation. When he’s not tending fields, John documents the world through his lens—capturing stories of adventure, resilience, and often-overlooked perspectives. Through his work, he aims to inspire awareness and deeper connection to the natural world.
Anne Montgomery
Member
Policy and Research Leadership – Veteran policy analyst and health systems researcher with deep expertise in long-term services and supports (LTSS), Medicare, Medicaid, and family caregiving; former senior roles in Congress, GAO, Alliance for Health Reform, and Altarum.
Advocacy and Community Engagement – Independent consultant and active collaborator with the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, the Center for Innovation, Gray Panthers NYC, Moving Forward Coalition, and other groups advancing aging and disability policy.
Recognition and Service – Member of the National Academy of Social Insurance and the American Society on Aging; Atlantic International Public Policy Fellow; recipient of multiple national awards for outstanding public policy service; founding member of the +Nature Coalition and active community board member in Washington, D.C.
Harry Antibus
Member
Harry Antibus is a professional musician who has traded his career in music for a career in climate, due to his deepening concern for all life on the planet. Harry began his work in climate creating music for environmental movies, including Who Killed the Electric Car and short films for Telluride Mountainfilm. His time working at a recycling startup in San Francisco created deeper nationwide industry engagement which has led him to his involvement in +Nature, and his goal to sustain life on earth.
ADVISORS
Nina Butler
Advisor
Nina is the CEO of Stina Inc., a mission-driven company focused on aligning human behavior with the natural world. A respected voice in environmental leadership, Nina has presented on global stages including the United Nations Summit, World Plastic Summit, World Bank, and the Nat Geo Circular Economy Forum. She has testified before the U.S. Congress and served as a subject matter expert for organizations like XPrize and OPEC. Through her work, Nina leads groundbreaking research such as the Plastic Recycling Study—and champions collaborative initiatives that advance circular economy principles. Her team also developed CircularityInAction.com, a resource hub to support systemic change. Nina holds a master’s degree in environmental management from Duke University and serves as an advisor to both the Ocean Plastics Recovery Project and +Nature.
Jay Bassett
Advisor
Jay Bassett is a systems thinker and regenerative leader with a deep commitment to reimagining our relationship with waste, resources, and community. With nearly 40 years of public service as a U.S. Naval Officer and senior leader at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Jay has championed a shift from linear models of consumption to circular, community-centered solutions inspired by nature. As a national advisor for Sustainable Materials Management (SMM), he helped reshape the EPA’s materials strategy to prioritize regeneration, environmental justice, and grassroots collaboration.
Now deeply engaged in the Southeast, Jay supports frontline communities in accessing federal climate and circular economy funding, most notably through initiatives like Breaking Barriers and RebuildATL, a recipient of the DOE Community Clean Energy prize. His work bridges national policy with place-based innovation, reflecting +Nature’s mission to uplift both people and planet through systems aligned with natural intelligence.
Madison Haley
Science Advisor
Education & background:
Undergraduate degree: Bachelor of Science in Science, Technology, & Society with a minor in Communication from Stanford University (this is based on a social media post by Ms. Haley)
Studied at George Washington University, in the School of Engineering & Applied Science, majoring in Civil & Environmental Engineering. Activities included tutoring, study abroad (South Korea), working as a research assistant, teaching assistant, leadership in Engineers Without Borders, etc.
Managers
Bonnie Monteleone
Board Manager
Bonnie Monteleone is an environmental advocate and artist whose work has spanned oceans and continents. After sailing nearly 10,000 nautical miles through four of the five major oceanic gyres, she co-founded the Plastic Ocean Project in 2012, launching a global mission to combat plastic pollution. Bonnie has spent the past 17 years educating audiences around the world through scientific research, public speaking, and striking art installations created from marine debris. Her dedication has mobilized thousands to take action and rethink our relationship with plastic, helping to spark meaningful change for our oceans and future generations.
Andres Ventura
Carbon Sequestration Project Leader
Education & background:
Andres obtained a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology with a concentration in Marine
Conservation from UNCW. Living in a costal town is not an accident for Andres. Since
an early age, Andres developed a deep connection with marine environmental
restoration topics. His personal mission is to leave the world a little better than he found
it.
Andres first joined POP as an intern and later as a Lab Assistant where he is actively
assisting laboratory work as well as field projects. He is currently assisting in a field
project to measure the carbon sequestration of a re-vegetation project at the local
landfill.