The European Commission launched the Friends of Credits for Nature and Biodiversity at the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the Convention on Biological Diversity in Yerevan, Armenia, during an event hosted jointly with France and Peru. The informal initiative brings governments together to build international support for nature credits and strengthen cooperation on biodiversity finance. These instruments are designed to attract private investment in protecting, restoring and maintaining nature while rewarding those undertaking these activities. The launch follows the Commission’s May discussions with policymakers, financial institutions and businesses on scaling private biodiversity investment, where nature credits featured prominently. The EU’s July 2025 Roadmap towards Nature Credits provides for research, pilot projects, stakeholder consultation and practical testing to develop reliable credits. Nature credits are intended to complement public funding, regulation and other incentives as pressure on public budgets constrains biodiversity financing. Further work will include an EU side event at the United Nations climate conference COP31 on 18 November. Government members are also expected to formally endorse a Joint Statement, although no date is specified.
European Commission launches international government initiative on nature credits and biodiversity finance
The European Commission launched the Friends of Credits for Nature and Biodiversity, an informal government initiative to expand international cooperation on nature credits. The instruments seek to channel private capital into biodiversity protection and restoration alongside public funding, with testing guided by the EU’s July 2025 roadmap. Further work includes an EU event at COP31 on 18 November and formal endorsement of a Joint Statement by government members.