Beyond Carbon Credits: Financing Biodiversity to Protect Nature

In a world facing the consequences of climate change and biodiversity loss, businesses and individuals are looking for effective ways to contribute to the conservation of our Planet. InvestConservation® comes as an alternative to carbon credits and a unique approach to investing in biodiversity conservation.

Definition: A carbon credit is a unit of measurement representing one metric ton of carbon dioxide or equivalent greenhouse gases (CO2e) that an entity can either reduce from its own emissions or offset by investing in emission reduction projects elsewhere. These credits can be bought, sold, or traded on carbon markets as a means to incentivize and finance actions that mitigate climate change. 

We had the opportunity to conduct an in-depth interview with Anja Rundquist, Chief Commercial Officer of InvestConservation (IC). The interview aims to highlight the core concepts behind InvestConservation, emphasising how companies can invest in biodiversity, offset their emissions and communicate what they are doing with transparency and accountability.

The beginning: making biodiversity conservation investable.

InvestConservation^® was born with the aim of making biodiversity conservation investable. It was established to address historical shortcomings in generating alternative income streams to protect tropical forests and biodiversity.

Highlighting the reality, Anja emphasizes, 'To put it bluntly, over 140,000 species disappear every year and, once extinct, are lost forever. Our mission at InvestConservation is to make conservation investable by linking every hectare of tropical forest to carbon and biodiversity rights for 50 years.'

In addition, Anja states, 'We are deeply dedicated to our cause: over 85% of every dollar invested in our projects goes directly to on-the-ground, science-based conservation efforts. This allocation significantly surpasses the industry norm, nearly doubling that of most carbon credit projects.'

Brown-headed Spider Monkey, Canandé Reserve, ^©Efrain Cepeda

All businesses are dependent on Nature, but how can they actively contribute?

Human activity remains the primary driver of tropical deforestation. By safeguarding these forests, we not only combat biodiversity loss but also help mitigate global climate change. The emissions released through tropical deforestation surpass those of all of Europe combined. Protecting tropical forests sequesters carbon, influencing rainfall patterns and mitigating droughts and fires, with far-reaching global implications.

‘Tropical forests can today contribute to 23% of the climate solution but have historically only received 3% of the funding. There is currently a private biodiversity funding gap of $200 billion a year between now and 2030.’ 

‘By investing in high quality biodiversity conservation projects firms can contribute directly today to protect species before they go extinct. Investments into these projects can be part of a company's positive-nature contribution and show real tangible impact.’ affirms Anja.

Spangled-Coquette, Copalinga reserve, ^©Paolo Escobar
Coatí Nasua nasua , Copalinga reserve, ^©Miquel Bonet 

The technology that enables the financing of biodiversity.

InvestConservation^® places a paramount emphasis on delivering high-impact projects marked by transparency, traceability, and accountability. IC achieves this commitment through Solana's blockchain tokens and the strategic utilization of smart technology for independent data assessments. This includes employing satellite imagery to monitor forest health and deforestation rates, along with the deployment of camera traps and soundscapes to measure biodiversity.

‘Our latest technology endeavor is the innovative use of AI to recognise species sound as a scalable and cost effective biodiversity measure. Every unique hectare of tropical forests we protect are linked via NFT to tradable biodiversity and carbon rights. This supports traceability, tamper proof ledgers and avoidance of double selling of credits.’ Anja points out.

Definition: Biodiversity refers to the variety and variability of life on Earth, encompassing all living organisms, ecosystems, and ecological processes. It includes the diversity of species, genetic diversity within species, and the diversity of ecosystems and habitats, all of which interact and contribute to the resilience and sustainability of ecosystems and the services they provide to humans.

Criteria and Methodology of InvestConservation^®

InvestConservation^® selects projects with strict eligibility criteria.

• The first criterion is that projects are located in tropical forest biodiversity hotspots (43% of all life on land lives here) ensuring high conservation value.
• Second the areas must be threatened with deforestation - the projects are located close to human activity such as roads or other access points.
• Third the project needs to be on land owned by private parties that can commit to the permanent conservation and be accountable for achieving an outcome.

MAP IUCN Red List species highlights the hotspot areas

Key steps companies need to consider to start their Net Zero journey.

‘Climate change and biodiversity are interlinked, and front running companies understand that you can address both by protecting nature.’ emphasizes Anja in her interview. 

She concludes, ‘By partnering with a trusted entity that employs science-based conservation methods, conducts on-the-ground activities, utilizes transparent and independent technology monitoring, and provides frequent reporting, firms can invest in projects that genuinely make a difference. This approach allows companies to proudly showcase their investments to stakeholders, demonstrating tangible impact.’

Tapichalaca Reserve - Ecuador, South America: Tapichalaca is home to many endangered and key animal species like: Jocotoco Antpitta, White-necked Parakeet, Golden Plumed Parakeet, Spectacled Bears, Mountain Tapirs, Jaguars and Pumas. 
Click here to contribute in Tapichalaca Conservation.