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TOP STORY

INTERVIEW: Developer gears up to expand biodiversity credit project pipeline in Europe

A conservation organisation is preparing to expand its portfolio of biodiversity credit projects in Europe, as moving beyond just carbon could help it increase revenues and better support landowners implementing nature protection and restoration activities, its founder told Carbon Pulse.

MARKET

UK standards body revamps nature market principles

The UK national standards body has released a revamped version of its overarching principles for nature credits, calling on companies to engage in the market to address the ongoing environmental crisis.

Academics propose set of rules for nature markets

Five recommended key rules for nature markets to achieve their environmental aims while delivering scientifically credible outcomes have been put forward in a pre-print by academics, with the most important being additionality.

BUSINESS & FINANCE

Asset manager unveils $235-mln nature and social strategy

London-headquartered asset management firm Legal & General (L&G) has launched a private debt strategy designed to invest $235 million in projects that support nature and social outcomes.

Biodiversity private credit fund lends €2 mln to regen ag company

A Luxembourg-headquartered asset manager has approved a first loan under its recently established biodiversity fund, to go to a Spanish regenerative agriculture producer.

SCIENCE & TECH

Nature restoration plans present opportunity to revive EU seas -report

The European Union’s ambitious Nature Restoration Law (NRL) has the potential to reverse decades of marine biodiversity loss, but a WWF report released Wednesday warned that without proper enforcement, it risks becoming another case of “paper parks” without effective conservation measures.

Australian environmental groups blast legislation carve-out for Tasmanian salmon industry

Australia’s Labor government has faced sharp criticism for a new bill introduced to parliament to protect Tasmania’s salmon farming industry at what environmental groups say will lead to the extinction of a rare and endangered ray, and the ability to challenge prior approvals.

COMMENT 

Legal view on why the proposed UK Planning Bill will slow development and harm nature

The UK Parliament is considering a Planning and Infrastructure Bill this week. While intended to streamline planning, Part III of the bill will dampen biodiversity investment and inflict harm on nature, writes Alexa Culver in a comment that breaks down the fine print of the legislation.

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BITE-SIZED UPDATES FROM AROUND THE WORLD

BUSINESS & FINANCE

Pills for nature – UK-headquartered multinational pharmaceutical company GSK has partnered with WWF to launch a five-year initiative aimed at conserving and restoring freshwater ecosystems in Pakistan and India, Associated Press of Pakistan has reported. The collaboration, seeking to replenish over 300,000 cubic metres of water, will focus on the Indus River Basin in Pakistan, and the Sutlej River Basin in India, key areas for biopharma production. Planned activities include restoring freshwater habitats, protecting endangered species, and promoting sustainable water management.

On the rise – Coca-Cola’s plastic use is projected to surpass 4.1 mln metric tonnes annually by 2030, according to a report by the non-profit Oceana. This would mark a 20% increase over the company’s reported plastic use in 2023. In Dec. 2024, Coca-Cola abandoned its goal of making reusable packaging 25% of its sales, said Oceana. Instead, the company chose to focus on boosting the use of recycled plastics. “Single-use plastic bottles made with recycled content can — just like bottles made of virgin plastic — still become marine pollution,” said Oceana’s senior vice president Matt Littlejohn.

Forest futures – Global forestry investment manager New Forests has partnered with one of Japan’s largest paper and pulp producers to establish a new fund. Sydney-based New Forests has entered into a partnership with Oji Holdings to establish the Future Forest Innovations Fund, a corporate forest investment fund registered in Singapore, according to a statement published on Wednesday. The partnership sees an almost $300 mln investment from Oji, along with an undisclosed amount of co-investment from New Forests. (Carbon Pulse)

POLICY

Mangrove island – Qatar’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change has announced a project designed to plant 1,000 local mangrove seedlings on Qetaifan Island North, The Peninsula has reported. Led by real estate development company Qetaifan Projects, the initiative aims to have a positive impact on the coastal environment by contributing to improving air quality, enhancing biodiversity, and providing natural habitats for marine species and birds.

Unsustainable farming incentive – The UK government has faced criticism from MPs, farmers, and conservationists for closing the payments from its nature-friendly farming payments scheme for the year. The environmental department said this week that the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) was fully allocated, reported the Independent. Farmers called the move a “shattering blow” to the sector, while conservationists said it showed the budget for the scheme was “inadequate”. The government has said it will redesign the scheme.

Riding the omnibus – The EU Council has approved proposals to streamline sustainability reporting standards in a so-called ‘omnibus’ that includes a two-year delay to the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) for large companies and listed smaller companies. The CSRD aims to ensure companies assess their impacts on biodiversity. Following the approval, the next stage for the proposals is an urgent vote scheduled for Apr. 1. Stakeholders have argued that the changes weaken market signals necessary to address the biodiversity crisis.

Korean nature – The South Korean government has announced the launch of a natural capital disclosure support association for corporations. Co-led by the government, organisations interested in natural capital disclosure can apply to join to obtain related information or strengthen their capabilities, the government said in a press release. MS&AD Insurance Group and Norinchukin Bank, who are co-leading the association, will discuss plans for next steps.

SCIENCE & TECH

Reptile loss – Humans are causing widespread biodiversity loss among most species on the planet, according to a synthesis of over 2,000 studies. Analysis of nearly 100,000 sites across all continents, found “unprecedented effects on biodiversity” from human activity, said a report published in journal Nature by Switzerland-based researchers. The number of species at human-impacted sites was almost 20% lower than at sites unaffected by humans on average. Reptiles, amphibians, and mammals saw severe losses. (Guardian)

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