Brussels, 7 July 2025 – CEPF looks with interest at the EC’s nature credits initiative published today. It is a starting point, with much work ahead to ensure a framework, which is functional, fair, and attractive for forest owners across Europe.
CEPF recognises the potential of nature credits to reward biodiversity conservation and maintenance, and open new income opportunities for forest owners. It is crucial that the multifunctional role of forests, as promisingly highlighted in the roadmap, remains central in the framework. “Only if the framework is grounded in daily forest management reality, can we see clear opportunities” said CEPF Junior Policy Officer Ms. Alina Lehikoinen, “provided it is built on voluntary participation, and developed together with forest owners and other relevant stakeholders on the ground.”
European forest owners play a crucial role in safeguarding biodiversity through sustainable forest management. CEPF highlights the need for a flexible, regionally adaptable system, that respects diverse forest types and ownership structures. This was already expressed in the CEPF position paper "Towards viable and inclusive nature credits framework", published in early June. Among key principles are:
- multifunctionality of forests,
- voluntary and market-based framework,
- sensible approach to offsetting at Member State level,
- measures to prevent leakage,
- policy coherence.
CEPF looks forward to further engaging with the European Commission on the topic of nature credits, including through the public consultation and the expert group.
For more information, contact
Dajana Kojic
CEPF Office Manager
