Nature Credits Roadmap to reward nature-positive action and boost private finance
Unlocking private investment for nature: a roadmap to credible and effective nature credits.
On July 7, 2025, the European Commission launched a ‘Roadmap towards Nature Credits’, aiming to boost private investments in nature conservation. Nature credits are market-based tools that reward individuals or organizations—such as companies, farmers, or local communities—for carrying out nature-positive actions like restoring wetlands or expanding forests. These credits can attract investors, improve biodiversity, and offer financial benefits while supporting the EU’s competitiveness and climate goals.
The initiative proposes:
- Voluntary and certified standards for credibility and avoiding greenwashing.
- New income opportunities for landowners, farmers, and fishers.
- A bottom-up approach involving broad stakeholder input.
- Pilot projects in France, Estonia, and Peru.
- Integration with the EU Nature Restoration Regulation and global biodiversity goals.
The Commission has launched a call for feedback (open until 30 September 2025) and a call for expressions of interest to join an expert group (first phase deadline: 10 September 2025). This move aims to close the €65 billion annual biodiversity investment gap by combining public and private funding.
