Insightful analysis by Alain Karsenty, researcher at CIRAD, on the European Commission's roadmap for nature credits and certificates.
This Commission document, published in July 2025, outlines a new voluntary instrument to contribute to biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration.
In his article, Alain Karsenty highlights the founding principles of this approach: the clear distinction between certification (attesting to the implementation of virtuous practices) and nature credits (monetizable units issued once biodiversity results have been achieved). These two steps make it possible to both mobilize initial investments and reward measured impacts on nature.
An instrument of contribution, not compensation
One of the crucial points raised by Karsenty is that, according to the EC, nature credits should not be confused with environmental compensation mechanisms: they cannot replace legal obligations under the AVC (Avoid-Reduce-Compensate) sequence. Rather, it is a voluntary system, open to contributions from farmers, foresters, and private operators to national restoration policies.
ATIBT welcomes this clarification, which aligns with its vigilance regarding the use of the concept of compensation. The promotion of proactive initiatives, aligned with the realities on the ground and responsible practices already in place, is essential.
Governance, transparency, and market issues
The analysis also highlights several gray areas that require clarification, including the life cycle of credits, registry governance, the secondary market, property rights, and the tax or accounting status of credits used in CSR reporting. Karsenty rightly notes that the “monetizable” nature of nature credits raises many practical and ethical questions. The EC's proposal to allow markets to develop locally before any European-level regulation is introduced deserves to be followed closely.
For players in the forestry and timber industry, particularly those involved in sustainable management and certification, this reflection on mechanisms for valuing ecosystem services is of great interest. The possible link between forest certification and voluntary contributions to biodiversity offers new prospects, but also raises precautions that need to be taken, particularly in terms of environmental integrity and regulatory clarity.
This text by Alain Karsenty provides valuable insight into the European roadmap. ATIBT invites its members to read this analysis, which is directly related to the ongoing discussions on biodiversity markets, payments for environmental services, and, more broadly, the economic instruments of ecological transition.
Read the EU document here and Alain Karsenty's analysis here.
