Credit Where Credit's Due: Identifying the Core Principles of a High-Integrity Biodiversity Market

Over half of the world’s GDP depends on nature. That’s right—whether you’re running a coffee business, a tech company, or a logistics empire, nature is the invisible force keeping things running. But here’s the challenge: biodiversity is disappearing at an alarming rate, and if we don’t act now, the economic (and ecological) consequences will be massive.

So, how do we flip the script? By using finance as a tool for nature. Specifically, by building high-integrity nature markets that make it profitable to protect and restore ecosystems. Biodiversity credits — an emerging mechanism that could turn conservation into an investable asset class.

Where do we stand?

Back in December 2023, goodcarbon, along with Blue Marine Foundation and Plan Vivo Foundation, conducted a market survey to get a pulse on where the private sector stands on biodiversity credits. The results? Companies are interested—but they’re also cautious.

They want: 

• Trust and integrity matter – Companies prioritize biodiversity credits that are evidence-based, third-party audited, and transparent in their impact.
• Community and ecosystem impact drive value – Credits that support Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IP&LCs) and protect endangered habitats are considered more valuable.
• Clear methodologies and fair pricing are critical – Buyers seek transparency on biodiversity assessment methodologies, community engagement, and equitable pricing models.

A Market That Works for People & Planet

To reverse nature loss by 2030, we need to mobilize $600-800 billion annually. That’s no small feat — but biodiversity credits, and carbon credits with high biodiversity impact offer a way to bridge that finance gap. The key? Building trust and integrity into the market from day one. If we get this right, nature-based solutions could be the missing piece that scales conservation from niche to mainstream.

And that’s exactly where goodcarbon comes in. We’re here to make sure nature-based solutions deliver real-world impact beyond carbon sequestration, for biodiversity and local communities, while helping companies hit their sustainability goals.

Read more about biodiversity credits in our report.