Nature Framework

Nature is in crisis. Wildlife populations have decreased by almost 70% since 1970, and one million species of plants and animals are at risk of extinction. The urgency to protect and restore nature is high.

Verra developed the Nature Framework to drive finance to critical nature conservation and restoration activities. The Nature Framework encompasses concepts and core principles for activities leading to biodiversity outcomes and the generation of Nature Credits, along with methodological steps for quantifying biodiversity outcomes.

Using the Nature Framework, project proponents can verify biodiversity outcomes and issue tradable Nature Credits as standalone assets. Companies and investors can buy Nature Credits to support high-quality projects and local communities while derisking their value chains and contributing to a nature-positive world. Nature Credits represent positive investments in nature and may not be used for offsetting.

Nature Credits will therefore contribute to Target 19 of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), which calls for the mobilization of $200 billion per year for biodiversity from all sources, including through innovative schemes such as biodiversity credits with environmental safeguards. Projects certified with the Nature Framework will contribute directly to SDGs 14 (Life below Water) and 15 (Life on Land), and–given nature’s inextricable links to climate–SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Verra initiated the development of the Nature Framework in early 2022. To support its development and ensure a participatory process, Verra formed two different and complementary expert groups:

The Nature Framework Development Group (NFDG), comprised of the Blue Nature Alliance (with support from McKinsey & Company), Conservation Finance Alliance, Conservation International, Great Barrier Reef Foundation, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), The Biodiversity Consultancy, and Verra as independent standard setter.

An expert Advisory Group (AG) comprised of 26 experts in biodiversity conservation from diverse sectors representing a broad range of geographies and sectors with expertise on market demand and drivers; technologies, methods, or indicators for biodiversity measurement; nature-related frameworks; financial instruments for investing in biodiversity outcomes; and biodiversity-focused project development.