The European Commission has posted the new Roadmap towards Nature Credits, which will reward nature-positive actions while also boosting private investment in environmental restoration
The Roadmap towards Nature Credits, launched last week, introduces a voluntary market mechanism designed to incentivise individuals, businesses, and financial institutions to invest in projects that protect and restore ecosystems across the EU and beyond.
What are nature credits?
Nature credits are a financial instrument that represents an investment in actions that benefit nature. This could include projects like restoring wetlands, expanding forests, or preserving biodiversity. For doing this, investors will gain benefits like cleaner ecosystems, improved risk management, enhanced reputations, and stronger community support.
Nature credits are independently certified, ensuring that actions are credible and verifiable. This certification is a huge part of building trust with stakeholders and avoiding greenwashing.
With climate risks continuing to grow and the ecological investment gap widening, nature credits are a good solution to channel private funds into sustainable practices.
A tool for business, nature, and communities
Currently, three-quarters of euro area businesses depend on healthy ecosystems. Nature credits aim to support these businesses while addressing biodiversity loss. By valuing natural capital, the EU hopes to make nature an asset that can be measured and invested in, just like infrastructure or technology.
The initiative offers new income opportunities for landowners, farmers, foresters, and fishers by supporting activities that restore degraded ecosystems. Local communities are expected to benefit from both economic and environmental improvements, creating a positive outcome for both nature and livelihoods.
A wide range of buyers and investors can participate, from large corporations and financial institutions to smaller investors and public authorities. The goal is to make nature restoration a mainstream investment opportunity.
EU goals
Nature credits are part of a bigger EU strategy to strengthen climate resilience, support economic competitiveness, and meet environmental goals. The new Roadmap towards Nature Credits aligns with the EU Competitiveness Compass, Clean Industrial Deal, and the Nature Restoration Regulation.
With climate-related risks increasing insurance costs and threatening supply chains, the Commission is setting the Roadmap towards Nature Credits as a proactive solution for long-term business sustainability. The estimated annual investment needed for biodiversity is €65 billion, far exceeding current public funding levels. Nature credits are seen as a vital tool to help bridge that gap.
“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 said.
Credibility and participation
The Roadmap towards Nature Credits shows a bottom-up approach, developed in collaboration with stakeholders. It hopes to establish standards, reliable certification, and robust governance to ensure nature credits deliver real results without creating administrative burdens.
To guide the development of the market, the Commission is launching a new expert group. Applications to join the group are open until September 10, 2025, with ongoing opportunities for stakeholder engagement. An open call for feedback on the initiative runs through the end of September.
Pilot projects
Pilot Roadmap towards Nature Credit projects is already underway in France, Estonia, and Peru. The EU is also working with international organisations like the World Economic Forum and the Biodiversity Credit Alliance to ensure global alignment.
