In plain English
Nature Framework (Nature Credits)
Nature Framework (Nature Credits) is a biodiversity method run by Verra Verified Carbon Standard. People often refer to it by its code, SD VISta NF. It works in the biodiversity space.
In short
Quantifies biodiversity uplift from a baseline; one Nature Credit is one quality-hectare-equivalent of uplift.
What it is
The Nature Framework is an asset methodology under Verra's Sustainable Development Verified Impact Standard (SD VISta), active since October 29, 2024. It provides core principles and methodological steps for quantifying biodiversity outcomes from conservation and restoration activities across terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems, and lets projects issue tradable Nature Credits as standalone assets. A Nature Credit represents a measured positive biodiversity outcome and is intended as an investment in nature, and it may not be used for offsetting.
What it rewards
The reward is a credit called a Nature Credit (NC). One credit stands for one hectare's worth of measured biodiversity improvement. 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 NC credits, a project has to measure and prove a few things. An independent reviewer checks the evidence before any credits are issued.
Ecosystem extent (area). Extent is one of the three state-of-nature dimensions used for calculation.
Ecosystem condition (quality). Condition is the second calculation dimension.
Biodiversity significance. Significance (threatened / endemic species) differentiates units.
Occurrences over baseline & monitoring. Uplift is measured relative to a project baseline.
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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