Nature and biodiversity markets worldwide have taken a crucial step forward with Accounting for Nature® taking on the role of independent administrator of the NaturePlus® biodiversity standard.
The NaturePlus® scheme consists of management projects dedicated to improving the environmental condition of ecosystems, habitat and threatened species. The NaturePlus® Standard provides the rules for the operation of projects and how conservation outcomes can be generated, measured and independently assured. GreenCollar designed the NaturePlus® scheme to help drive private investment into meaningful biodiversity improvement and positive, measurable, verifiable outcomes for nature.
“If we are to truly achieve lasting landscape scale gains for nature, we must measure and confirm the outcomes of projects that say they are benefitting nature, and have them rigorously and independently verified,” said CEO of GreenCollar, James Schultz. “This move is a major step for attracting investment and building rigour, legitimacy and trust into markets mechanisms aimed at repairing nature through environmental projects.”
GreenCollar spent the last five years investing in design and piloting of the NaturePlus® Standard. Piloting commenced in 2022, with Accounting for Nature® supporting a two-year pilot of NaturePlus®. As part of the initial development of the NaturePlus® Standard, GreenCollar also developed claims guidance, with the support of Gilbert & Tobin, and commissioned a comprehensive benchmarking review by Pollination.
Pollination found that the majority of reviewed schemes are administered by the entity that designed them, while also acting as project proponent. The review observed that moving schemes to independent administration is needed to satisfy integrity considerations as markets mature.
“Since the start, we knew that independent administration was critical and, as far as we know, NaturePlus® is the first scheme to achieve this,” James Schultz said. “We’re really proud of that.”
NaturePlus® has been designed to incentivise restoration of degraded landscapes, as well as to reward ongoing stewardship of intact ecosystems. It was explicitly designed to apply to any ecosystem, including marine areas, and allows for continuous crediting to support long term impact.
“This addition marks a significant milestone for Accounting for Nature® as we continue to lead the way in measuring and valuing the state of nature,” said Chief Executive Officer at Accounting for Nature®, Dr Adrian Ward. “The NaturePlus® standard complements our existing framework and enhances our ability to certify robust, verifiable environmental accounts. We are excited to build on GreenCollar’s work and further develop the standard to meet the evolving needs of landholders, investors, and environmental markets.The NaturePlus® Standard will be offered by Accounting for Nature® as an off-the-shelf solution for its customers to issue NaturePlus® units”
“In handing the standard over to Accounting for Nature®, we are placing it in the hands of an independent and scientifically credible organisation that has, over the last 20 years, earned the trust of landholders, governments, corporates, investors and environmental stakeholders.” James Schultz said. “We are confident that this move will not only ensure the continued advancement of the scheme, but also reinforce its role in the global effort to protect and restore our natural environments while supporting the growth of biodiversity markets and private investment in nature.”
Further details will be announced soon regarding the transitional arrangements and timing of the handover of NaturePlus® from Greencollar to Accounting for Nature®.
About GreenCollar
GreenCollar was founded in 2011 as a conservation-driven profit-for-purpose organisation, and is one of the leading environmental markets project developers and investors in Australia across the carbon, water quality, biodiversity and plastics markets. GreenCollar works with landowners and managers throughout Australia to develop projects that create commercial opportunities by generating environmental credits through caring for the environment. GreenCollar’s management team was fundamental in helping to establish Australia’s carbon market framework, as well as Queensland’s Reef Credit Scheme, and are widely recognised as thought leaders in the carbon and biodiversity markets industry.
About Accounting for Nature®
Accounting for Nature® is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to developing rigorous, science-based environmental accounting standards. Our mission is to provide credible and transparent state of nature measures, enabling landholders, investors, and governments to make informed decisions that contribute to valuing nature, everywhere.
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