Michael Vardon

Dr. Michael Vardon is an Associate Professor at the Fenner School of Environment & Society, Australian National University. He specializes in natural capital and ecosystem services accounting, focusing on integrating these into public and private decision-making. His career spans roles at the Australian Bureau of Statistics, United Nations, and World Bank’s WAVES program. He holds a Ph.D. and multiple advanced degrees in environmental management.

Research Interests: Vardon’s work emphasizes applying environmental accounting frameworks like the UN’s SEEA to biodiversity, water governance, and Indigenous cultural landscapes. His research bridges policy, practice, and sustainability, with a focus on case studies in Australia and globally.

Key Projects: Current projects include ecosystem accounting pilots for the Murray-Darling Basin, blue carbon accounting, and Indigenous land management collaborations. Past roles include leadership in the ABS’s Environmental Statistics Centre and advisory roles in the London Group on Environmental Accounting.

• Scientific Contributions: Over 69 publications, emphasizing case studies in water, biodiversity, and Indigenous perspectives.
• Grants & Funding: Multiple research grants from ANU and international bodies, supporting ecosystem accounting initiatives.

Awards & Recognitions: Member of UN SEEA Editorial Board, World Bank WAVES Policy Committee, and Australia’s Technical Advisory Panel on Environmental-Economic Accounting.