Getting started

Clear and transparent instructions for biodiversity crediting from an IP or LC project

The instructions below provide the necessary steps for biodiversity crediting projects (BCPs) to demonstrate ongoing conservation outcomes by monitoring indicator species. We detail the design and implementation of conservation-first ecosystem projects, projects that aim primarily to avoid the loss of intact regional biodiversity in biodiversity hotspots or equivalent ecosystems.

It contains clear incentives for IP or LC to participate in, and benefit from these projects, thus reducing human predation through hunting or trafficking activities. The methodology delivers eligibility for third-party validation and results-based payments under emerging global market mechanisms. Initiatives must:

(Note: Savimbo's requirements might differ slightly from that of individual crediting bodies. Each accreditation body such as Cercarbono adopting the standard might slightly alter this list and should be consulted directly for projects seeking certification rather than simply MRV.)

• Design within the framework of the ten Principles.

• Meet Eligibility and inclusion requirements.

• Get Baseline biodiversity measures for their ecosystem(s) from public data:

  • Agents and drivers of biodiversity loss

  • Baseline biodiversity richness (if available)

  • Ecosystem value and boundaries from a recognized source.

  • Indicator species that qualify for monitoring, justification, and characteristics

  • Indicator species integrity score

• Describe their Project in a PMP with site-specific data including:

  • Project boundaries in time and space including jurisdiction(s), land rights, contracts, any ecosystem/jurisdictional segmentation, and potential leakage area.

  • Implementation plan and methods,

  • Monitoring plan and methods,

  • Indicator species Observations in raw data (geocodes may be private).

  • Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• Continuously calculate credits using the open-source code

• Continuously monitor and report via crediting bodies/registries or MRV purchasers

We remain hopeful and determined that this methodology will have the intended effect of directly empowering the people with the biggest global impact on conserving biodiversity.

Figure 2: Steps in applying the ISBM approach

Figure 3: Steps in applying the ISBM approach