Nature credits: Investing in nature’s value

Nature credits: what they are and what they could mean for your sustainability strategy

 

In July 2025, the European Commission introduced a plan to develop a clear, reliable system of nature credits. While voluntary, the roadmap signals a shift in how we value nature. These credits reward efforts that restore or protect nature, like planting trees or boosting biodiversity, and aim to stimulate private investment in nature-positive actions across the EU.   

What are nature credits?

 

According to the European Commission, nature credits represent an investment into nature-positive actions by a company, a financial institution, a public entity or a citizen, which in return can benefit from cleaner ecosystems, risk reduction, improved reputation, and higher social acceptability for its projects. With nature credits, an independent organisation assigns value to projects that protect or restore ecosystems. Each credit represents a measurable positive impact: restoring wetlands, planting forests, or improving soil health. The aim is to track and verify these benefits, letting organisations support nature-positive initiatives.

The European Commission’s framework sets rules for creating, certifying, and recording nature credits. Projects must prove benefits are real, scientifically measurable, and additional (would not happen without the project). Independent certification, monitoring, and transparent reporting ensure integrity and avoid greenwashing or double counting. 

To engage interested  parties in developing the nature credit market, the European Commission has opened a call for feedback (deadline 30 September).  

What this could mean for your organisation 

 

Nature credits can help organisations show measurable contributions to biodiversity and ecosystem health. They complement climate strategies by supporting the restoration of natural systems that often provide both climate and biodiversity benefits.

For companies and financial institutions, nature credits can reduce supply chain risks, improve access to finance, and strengthen creditworthiness. Certified credits create a clear way to invest in nature-positive actions. These actions can also reduce operational risks linked to soil degradation, pollination loss, or extreme weather impacts. 

Farmers, foresters, and land managers may benefit from nature credits by generating an additional income stream for projects regarding, for example improving soil biodiversity, or creating pollinator habitats. These practices can increase yields, reduce input costs, and make ecosystems more resilient in the long term. The European Commission aims to reduce the administrative burden by simplifying certification and using digital tools.  

The European Commission also encourages a bottom-up approach that includes local stakeholders such as farmers, fishers, and landowners. Local involvement will be essential to ensure the success and fairness of nature credit markets. 

Usefulness of nature credits

 

Nature credits offer great promise but require caution. Without strong safeguards, they risk becoming greenwashing tools, letting companies claim progress without real impact. Nature restoration is complex and cannot be measured with a single simple metric.  

Projects must be based on robust data, independent verification, and monitored over time. Some projects may offer limited or temporary benefits, especially without community support or ecological insight. Nature credits are not a quick fix, but they can become a valuable part of a long-term sustainability strategy when used with care, transparency, and a genuine commitment to nature restoration. 

The EU’s voluntary framework is a good start but needs strong enforcement to prevent low-quality credits flooding the market. Organisations must demand clear evidence of impact, and ongoing monitoring. Nature credits should complement, not replace internal sustainability efforts. When used thoughtfully, nature credits can support real progress and demonstrate leadership while avoiding pitfalls. 

What you can do now

 

The nature credit market is still taking shape, so now is a good time to explore how it fits into your strategy. Learn more about the types of projects that qualify and how certification works or track the EU framework’s progress. If you work with land or nature solutions, consider creating your own credit projects. Early, informed steps will help your organisation stay ahead and contribute meaningfully to nature restoration. 

Did this blog spark your interest? Please feel free to contact esther@2impact.nl for further information.