Development of nascent biodiversity credit market picks up speed

Growing interest in biodiversity credits could unlock finance for solutions to protect nature – but integrity is key to avoid the greenwashing claims that have dogged the voluntary carbon market

Around $1tn in biodiversity spending will be needed by 2030 in order to protect habitats and reduce risk to businesses, about six times the current levels of investment, according to estimates by research provider Bloomberg New Energy Finance. Against this backdrop, a biodiversity credit market has begun to emerge, offering schemes for public and private sector investment — and raising questions over the quality and overall impact of such solutions.