In plain English
Biodiversity Framework
Biodiversity Framework is a biodiversity method run by Gold Standard. People often refer to it by its code, GS Biodiv. It works in the biodiversity space.
In short
Gold Standard's maturing biodiversity framework, borrowing its carbon third-party verification and registry infrastructure.
What it is
The Biodiversity Framework, described by Gold Standard as its Biodiversity Impact Framework methodology, is under development to measure, manage, and report the biodiversity outcomes of conservation, restoration, and regeneration projects. It aims to set science based rules for quantifying biodiversity impacts so that projects, landscapes, and value chain interventions can make credible claims tied to global biodiversity goals. As of the sources reviewed the methodology has not been finalised, so the exact unit it will certify is not yet defined.
What it rewards
The reward is a credit called a Verified Biodiversity Outcome (VBO). One credit stands for one measured unit of biodiversity gain. A verified, nature-positive biodiversity outcome. A whole period of work is issued as one batch of credits at a time, in the same way a registry issues a batch.
What gets measured
To earn VBO credits, a project has to measure and prove a few things. An independent reviewer checks the evidence before any credits are issued.
Baseline biodiversity indicators. Science-based rules for quantifying biodiversity impact (in development).
Habitat condition. Condition of conservation / restoration / regeneration areas.
Outcome vs baseline. Credible claims tied to global biodiversity goals.
Who takes part
Standard Registry. Owns the policy, approves participants, anchors each issuance to its evidence.
Project Proponent. Registers the project and submits monitoring reports.
Validation & Verification Body. Independently validates the design and verifies monitored data.
How it works
- 1
The project team registers the project and its plan.
- 2
An independent reviewer checks that the plan is sound and that the benefit is real and would not have happened anyway.
- 3
The team looks after the site and measures the agreed indicators over time.
- 4
The independent reviewer verifies those measurements.
- 5
Credits are issued for the verified result, and a buyer can retire a credit to claim the benefit once.
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