The European Commission launched a 'Roadmap towards Nature Credits', to incentivise private investments into actions that protect and preserve nature, by rewarding those who undertake environmentally friendly initiatives and invest in them.
How It Works
The Nature Credits roadmap outlines a commitment to investment into nature-positive actions by a company, a financial institution, a public entity, or a citizen, that can benefit from cleaner ecosystems, risk reduction, improved reputation and wider social acceptance. Nature-positive actions will be valued and certified by an independent organisation, providing credibility to investors sponsoring the action through Nature Credits.
The actions supported by Nature Credits can take different forms; some examples in the EU include restoring wetlands or extending forest areas.
Why We Need Nature Credits Today
With three quarters of businesses in the euro area dependent on nature, Nature Credits are emerging as an innovative tool that changes the way we value nature, showing how it can be viewed as an asset to attract investors. Nature Credits represent an opportunity for both business and nature restoration: to boost biodiversity and preserve habitats, whilst generating revenue for investors and those doing vital work to protect our earth.
They offer new income opportunities for farmers, foresters, fishers, landowners, and local communities, simultaneously helping them restore ecosystems and bolster the resilience of their businesses. The range of potential buyers and investors is vast, from private companies and financial institutions, to small investors and public entities.
President von der Leyen recognises the importance of Nature Credits in a greener future: "We have to put nature on the balance sheet. That's exactly what Nature Credits do. When well-designed, they will provide an efficient, market-driven instrument that encourages the private sector to invest and innovate. With investment and innovation, we generate revenue for those who work to protect nature, including our farmers, our landowners, and our foresters."
Nature Credits address the challenges of nature degradation and climate change, whilst supporting the EU's broader goals to achieve a competitive standard of climate resilience, as outlined in the EU Competitiveness Compass and Clean Industrial Deal. If businesses don’t adapt and prioritise nature preservation, climate risks could cost up to 7% of their yearly profits in the next decade– they are already increasing insurance costs, damaging supply chains and farms.
The Way Forward
The new Nature Credits Roadmap was developed with stakeholders to set out a bottom-up approach which aims to close the ecological investment gap. Nature Credits complement existing public funding for biodiversity as an additional and voluntary source of financing for nature-positive actions.
The plan aims to develop clear standards and reliable certification for nature-positive actions to make Nature Credits effective and trustworthy, while avoiding administrative burden when joining such a scheme. It will also draw on existing standards. Together, with robust governance, this is key to avoiding greenwashing.
“With this roadmap, we are taking a bold step to recognise nature as a strategic asset for Europe’s future. Nature credits have the potential to attract essential private investment, while also rewarding those who are the custodians of our land and seas, including farmers, foresters and local communities. Our goal is clear: working hand in hand with nature and turning this into an opportunity for a resilient and competitive economy.”
Jessika Roswall, Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy
The EU has committed to allocate 10% of its budget to biodiversity by 2026-2027 and double its external biodiversity spending to €7 billion. With an estimated €65 billion needed annually for biodiversity investment, blending public and private finance is essential to deliver results at scale and speed.
How To Get Involved
The EU Commission invites all interested parties — businesses, scientists, governments, and civil society — to engage in shaping this initiative through an open call for feedback open until the 30th of September 2025. To ensure coordinated and inclusive development of a reliable Nature Credits market, the EU Commission will establish a new expert group to foster a bottom-up approach that builds on close involvement of concerned stakeholders. The continuous call for expression of interest to join this expert group launched on the 7th of July. Applications for the first selection phase can be submitted by 10 September 2025 at the latest.
Pilot Projects and International Cooperation
The EU is currently piloting nature credit initiatives in France, Estonia, and Peru and is working with international partners such as the Biodiversity Credit Alliance, the World Economic Forum and the International Advisory Panel on Biodiversity Credits. Nature Credits can also support Member States in meeting national targets under the EU Nature Restoration Regulation and contribute to the global goals of the Kunming-Montreal Biodiversity Framework.
Context
Nature is a cornerstone of our livelihoods, health, and prosperity. It is a crucial foundation for a competitive and resilient economy. According to the World Economic Forum, more than half of global GDP and two thirds of the EU's added economic value depend on nature and its ecosystem services. The aims of Nature Credits align with the Vision for Agriculture and Food, the Water Resilience Strategy and the European Ocean Pact.