We issue biodiversity certificates to eligible projects under the Nature Repair Market scheme.
A biodiversity certificate is earned for delivering improvements to or protection of Australian biodiversity, known as the biodiversity outcome for a project. To apply for a certificate, you must have a registered biodiversity project. Certificates are tradable and can be held, sold to private buyers or deposited with the Clean Energy Regulator. Through this market mechanism, the scheme incentivises actions to restore and protect the environment.
Information on the Biodiversity Market Register will allow buyers to understand and value the biodiversity outcome associated with a project.
Participation in the Nature Repair Market is voluntary.
About biodiversity certificates
Biodiversity certificates represent the biodiversity outcome delivered by a project. We can issue one digital certificate per project.
If a registered project is conditional to obtaining regulatory approvals or relevant consents, you must have provided these before we can issue a biodiversity certificate for your project.
Once your certificate is issued in the Unit and Certificate Registry, you can choose to:
hold onto your certificate
deposit your biodiversity certificate with us to show an ongoing commitment to a project
sell your certificate to an individual or business looking to invest in nature.
At the end of your permanence period the certificate is cancelled.
Certificate lifecycle
Buying and selling certificates
Ownership of a biodiversity certificate may have financial implications. You may benefit from independent advice on the legal characteristics and responsibilities related to owning a biodiversity certificate.
Buyers and sellers can transfer ownership of certificates through the Unit and Certificate Registry.
Biodiversity Market Register
The Unit and Certificate Registry is different from the Biodiversity Market Register. The registry is where you can undertake transactions. The register is the source of truth for information about projects and any project certificates.
When the Biodiversity Market Register is launched, you will be able to:
- view project details
- learn about their biodiversity outcome
- read about the progress to the biodiversity outcome that led to the issuance of a certificate (if successful).
Claims on biodiversity outcomes
Parties who misrepresent or make false or misleading claims about their contribution to nature repair may be liable under Australian consumer law.
Market development
We are working to establish a strong market foundation underpinned by integrity and transparency. The Australian carbon credit units (ACCU) market suggests a strong market foundation will encourage participation from a wide range of sectors. We expect market operation and the Nature Repair Market to evolve over time.
Market supply
Certificate supply will come from registered projects that have been issued a certificate under the Nature Repair Market scheme.
The replanting native forests and woodland ecosystems method is the first Nature Repair Market scheme method. Over time, the Australian Government will develop more methods to support a range of biodiversity outcomes. These will be informed by innovative thinking and market operations.
Market demand
Sources of certificate demand could include:
- investment driven by reporting and disclosure requirements, such as the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures
- philanthropic, environmental, social and corporate governance-motivated investment
- carbon market participants seeking projects that also benefit nature.
There is a global trend for businesses to invest in nature-related projects that deliver environmental benefits. The Nature Repair Market supports this by providing opportunities for nature repair through high-integrity projects with lasting impact.
Nature plus carbon
Project proponents may increase their earning potential by stacking a Nature Repair Market scheme project with a related ACCU Scheme project. Stacking means undertaking a biodiversity and carbon project on the same area of land. This means you could earn a biodiversity certificate and ACCUs for the same activities.
You will need to undertake early planning to design the projects to meet the requirements of both schemes and the applicable methods. Make sure you’re familiar with the eligibility requirements, including the timing of your project activities.
Project proponents can also request to publish additional information on the Biodiversity Market Register. This includes an overlap between the project area of a biodiversity project and the project area of an ACCU Scheme project.
Certificate price
Buyers and sellers determine the price of the tradeable certificate.
Factors likely to impact certificate price include:
- project characteristics, such as the method and project location
- the project’s maturity, which may dictate the progress towards achieving a biodiversity outcome realised through project activities.