"Subnational governments must play a vital role in designing nature credit markets and ensuring their integrity. Their proximity to specific ecosystems and local communities positions them well to implement and oversee frameworks that balance environmental protection with economic opportunities." — Rastislav Trnka, rapporteur for the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) on the opinion 'Designing nature credits: A framework to promote biodiversity and ecosystem services', made these remarks during a stakeholder consultation with experts and institutional representatives. The event focused on shaping a future EU framework for biodiversity certification and tradable nature credits—innovative market-based tools aimed at mobilising private investment for the preservation and restoration of ecosystems.
As announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the Commission is now developing a methodology for biodiversity certification and nature credits. The CoR opinion, led by Trnka, will highlight the critical need for local and regional authorities (LRAs) to scale up these mechanisms in response to the global biodiversity crisis. It will also stress the importance of involving LRAs early in the development of certification systems, as they are best placed to manage land, sea, and ecosystem services.
Trnka who serves as Chairman of the Košice Self-Governing Region emphasised the importance of regional adaptation in the design of such systems: "Regional differences must be accounted for to create an inclusive and equitable crediting system. Local contexts, ecosystem specificities, and governance structures will require flexible approaches to implementation while maintaining overarching integrity standards. This regional sensitivity must also extend to public and private sector engagement, ensuring that all stakeholders—from local communities to corporations—have a role in shaping and benefitting from nature credits."
The consultation explored the scope of nature credits and their potential to complement carbon credits. By recognising and valuing biodiversity conservation alongside carbon emissions reduction, local and regional authorities can help develop a more comprehensive and impactful market mechanism—one that delivers both climate and nature-positive outcomes.
However, participants agreed that market creation alone will not be sufficient. LRAs must play an active role in stimulating demand for nature credits by encouraging corporate engagement and co-designing financial instruments that incentivise investment. Risk mitigation tools and results-based payments were highlighted as key mechanisms to unlock private sector participation.
Another major theme of the meeting was the need for rigorous measurement and certification methodologies to ensure projects deliver real and lasting environmental benefits. Stakeholders stressed that transparent, science-based verification frameworks are essential to prevent greenwashing and uphold the integrity of the system.
Next steps
The outcomes of this stakeholder consultation will directly inform the preparation of the CoR opinion. The draft will be discussed at the ENVE Commission meeting on 24 June 2025, and the final opinion is expected to be adopted at the CoR plenary session on 14–15 October 2025.
Participants who were unable to speak during the consultation are warmly encouraged to submit written contributions to support this important initiative.