Journey 16 - Task 10

Nature for Life Hub

Introduction to Biodiversity Credits

Task 10: What makes a credit high-integrity?

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What makes a credit high-integrity?

From methodologies to measurement — everything must be open to review. Transparency builds accountability across the board.

Transparent

Scientifically Grounded

Indicators should reflect ecological structure, function, and composition — and be backed by science, traditional knowledge, or both.

Independently Validated and Verified

A third party must confirm (verify) that credits represent real, additional, and lasting biodiversity outcomes, based on validated methods.

High-integrity systems require the full participation of Indigenous Peoples and local communities — not just consultation, but co-creation. High-level Principles 11–17 go into detail on how to ensure equity and fairness, along with full respect for Indigenous and local community rights, knowledge and data sovereignty. They explicitly reference the need to adhere to the universal framework of UNDRIP (United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples) and apply the process of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC).

Inclusive of Indigenous Peoples and local communities

Legal, financial, and social protections must ensure that gains aren’t lost — and that risks are identified and managed upfront.

Backed by Safeguards

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Section overview

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What makes a credit high-integrity?