Nature credits: opportunities for business, benefits for nature

Nature is under pressure. Restoring ecosystems, protecting biodiversity and managing land sustainably all require long-term effort and funding, which can not only rely on public funds. Nature credits are a new, voluntary, market-based tool being tested in several Member States and explored in the Roadmap towards Nature Credits launched by the EU Commission.

What are nature credits and why do they matter?

Nature credits are verified, positive outcomes for nature, for example restored habitats, improved ecosystem functions or enhanced biodiversity. Credits are created through real actions on the ground and can be purchased voluntarily by companies or other actors that want to support nature-positive activities. This approach is explored in our Opinion A Roadmap towards Nature Credits which shows how such a market could work if it is built on strong foundations.

Bringing new momentum to nature protection

Nature credits aim to bring to nature protection the same kind of momentum that climate action has seen in recent years. By putting a value on verified nature-positive outcomes, they can help establish clear business cases for investing in nature. This can unlock private finance and complement public funding, which remains essential but is not sufficient on its own.

If well designed, a nature credits market can help close the financing gap for biodiversity by channeling additional private money towards conservation, restoration and sustainable land management.

But as any market, it only works if people and businesses trust it. For nature credits, this means high integrity, transparency and a strong scientific basis. Credits must be based on clear methodologies, rules and independent verification, so that buyers can be confident their contribution leads to real and lasting benefits for nature.

A practical tool for companies

For companies, nature credits can be a practical way to address impacts on nature, especially along complex supply chains. They can support efforts to reduce and manage nature-related risks, while contributing to nature-positive outcomes where companies operate or source their materials.

The EESC opinion views the credits as a voluntary tool, and advises caution on the need of a directive or regulation. Used responsibly and voluntarily, nature credits can complement existing sustainability actions and due diligence obligations, helping companies move from awareness to concrete action for nature.

New opportunities for farmers, foresters and landowners

For farmers, foresters and landowners, credits can offer additional revenue streams for practices that conserve, restore or enhance nature. They can reward long-term stewardship of land and nature that is often undervalued today, and create a way to recognise and reward work done on the ground.

The EESC opinion underlines that nature credits and markets must be built in a way that allows the bioeconomy, circular economy, sustainable food production and forestry to thrive in the EU. The framework should avoid adding unnecessary administrative burden on practitioners.

By involving practitioners directly and respecting local conditions, nature credits can help support rural livelihoods while delivering tangible benefits for biodiversity and ecosystems.

Overall, nature credits have the potential to channel private and create a business case for nature-positive action.

By Teppo Säkkinen, EESC Employers' Group member and Co-Rapporteur of Opinion NAT/961 Roadmap towards Nature Credits.