Key Impact Points:
- Unlocking private finance: Nature credits aim to close the €65 billion biodiversity investment gap by incentivizing nature-positive action from businesses, citizens, and investors.
- Economic resilience: With two-thirds of the EU’s added economic value tied to ecosystems, the scheme will reward actions that protect nature while boosting competitiveness.
- Clear standards, global alignment: The roadmap calls for reliable certification, piloting in France, Estonia, and Peru, and alignment with global biodiversity frameworks.
Europe Introduces Nature Credits to Put Ecosystems on the Balance Sheet
The European Commission has unveiled a new ‘Roadmap towards Nature Credits’, designed to channel private investment into biodiversity and ecosystem restoration. This innovative tool allows businesses, financial institutions, landowners, and even citizens to fund and benefit from certified nature-positive actions—such as restoring wetlands or expanding forests.
“We have to put nature on the balance sheet. That’s exactly what nature credits do,” said Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission. “When well-designed, they will provide an efficient, market-driven instrument that encourage the private sector to invest and innovate.”
Transforming Nature Into a Strategic Asset
With over 75% of eurozone businesses depending on nature, nature credits offer a new financial mechanism to reward those who protect ecosystems, create new revenue streams for farmers, fishers, foresters, and local communities, and help businesses reduce operational risks.
“With this roadmap, we are taking a bold step to recognise nature as a strategic asset for Europe’s future,” said Jessika Roswall, Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy. “Nature credits have the potential to attract essential private investment, while also rewarding those who are the custodians of our land and seas.”
Addressing the Nature Investment Gap
The Commission emphasized that with €65 billion needed annually for biodiversity, nature credits will act as a voluntary, complementary instrument to public funding. The roadmap will develop clear standards, independent certification, and leverage existing frameworks to maintain credibility and prevent greenwashing.
The initiative also supports broader EU goals like the EU Competitiveness Compass, Clean Industrial Deal, and Nature Restoration Regulation, aiming to strengthen resilience against climate risks that could slash business profits by 7% annually within the next decade.
A Bottom-Up, Inclusive Approach
Stakeholder participation is central. The EU has launched:
- An open feedback call (closing 30 September 2025),
- A continuous call for interest to join a new expert group (first deadline: 10 September 2025).
The roadmap’s bottom-up structure will ensure broad engagement from businesses, scientists, governments, and civil society.
Pilots and Global Partnerships
Pilot projects are already underway in France, Estonia, and Peru, alongside international cooperation with organizations such as the Biodiversity Credit Alliance, World Economic Forum, and the International Advisory Panel on Biodiversity Credits.
The move aligns with global commitments under the Kunming-Montreal Biodiversity Framework, the European Ocean Pact, and the Water Resilience Strategy.
“Our goal is clear: working hand in hand with nature and turning this into an opportunity for a resilient and competitive economy,” said Commissioner Roswall.
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