Biodiversity Certification Programme
Putting nature at the heart of markets
Cercarbono certifies conservation and restoration projects that deliver measurable biodiversity outcomes – turning nature protection and recovery into trusted Voluntary Biodiversity Credits (VBCs)
From safeguarding species to restoring ecosystems, every credit is independently validated and permanently tracked on EcoRegistry for full transparency.
What sets the programme apart
The Biodiversity Certification Programme is grounded in principles that make every credit trusted and meaningful.
Projects must demonstrate additionality, delivering outcomes beyond business-as-usual. Independent validation and long-term reserves ensure measurability, verification, and permanence.
Strong safeguards guarantee no net harm, while transparency is built in through EcoRegistry’s open data. Crucially, inclusivity is required – Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities participate throughout the process.
Eligible project types
This programme covers the full range of biodiversity action:
Conservation
protection of species and ecosystems, both in situ and ex situ, including restoration, recovery, and climate adaptation.
Restoration
conservation of crop wild relatives, livestock genetics, and enhancement of agricultural biodiversity.
Why certify with us
From grassroots conservation to large-scale restoration, our programme provides a clear path to recognition and market access. With expert oversight and transparent verification, we help turn action for nature into trusted credits.
01
Gain recognition for conservation
Follow a structured process from project design through to validation and verification.
02
Align with global priorities
Ensure outcomes are consistent with the GBF, NBSAPs, and UN biodiversity goals.
03
Foster innovation
Certify novel conservation methods and data-driven approaches.
04
Include communities from the start
Safeguards and IPLC participation requirements are built into every project.
Guards and participation requirements
for IPLCs built into the programme
About the credits
Each Voluntary Biodiversity Credit represents a verified conservation outcome – such as the protection of indicator species, restoration of native habitat, or improved ecosystem connectivity.
Quantified through recognised indicators
Reviewed by our Independent Expert Panel
Issued with a unique serial number on EcoRegistry
Published with full project data and methodologies for transparency
Credits can be used flexibly to support ESG strategies, biodiversity offsets, or broader nature-positive commitments. The first credits have already been issued and are available for trading.
Ready to take the next step?
Project developers
Register your biodiversity project and bring measureable outcomes to market.
Buyers
Explore Cercarbono-certified biodiversity credits for ESG, offsets, or nature-positive commitments.
Partners
We work with governments, NGOs, and communities to bring conservation into markets and unlock new opportunities.