Hello,
Biodiversity just became tradeable.
On January 1, 2026, Verra opened its Nature Framework to all projects worldwide. This creates a new asset class: Nature Credits. Forest owners can now earn money from biodiversity. Not just carbon. Not just timber. The nature itself.
The timing matters. The world needs $200 billion annually to meet biodiversity goals. Nature Credits could help close that gap.
Meanwhile, the UK is spending £1 billion on new forests. Finland's Metsä Board just earned top ESG marks. France's timber trade is slowing down. And the EU cut sustainability reporting rules for 90% of companies.
Here's what's moving European forestry this week:
🔍 The Big Story
Verra Opens Nature Framework — Biodiversity Credits Now Available Globally
Verra opened its Nature Framework certification to all projects on January 1, 2026. Any conservation or restoration project can now apply. Forest owners have a new revenue stream.
What are Nature Credits? They certify biodiversity outcomes. Each credit represents measurable nature improvement. Projects that protect habitats, restore ecosystems, or help species recover can generate credits. Companies buy them to invest in nature.
How it works: Projects measure ecosystem condition before and after conservation work. Positive change generates Nature Credits on a per-hectare basis. Third-party auditors verify the claims. Verra's registry tracks every credit.
The business case: Over half of global GDP depends on nature. Companies face growing pressure to show nature-positive impact. Nature Credits let them invest in verified biodiversity projects. This creates demand. Forest owners supply.
Getting started: Projects must submit an Expression of Interest by January 31, 2026. This helps Verra plan review capacity. After that, projects submit full documentation through the Verra Project Hub. Templates are available on Verra's website.
The bigger picture: Carbon credits proved markets can fund climate action. Nature Credits aim to do the same for biodiversity. This is the first global framework with third-party verification. It sets the standard others must meet.
What this means for you: If you manage forest land, evaluate whether Nature Credits fit your operation. The framework rewards conservation and restoration. Early movers establish track records before competition grows. Sources: Verra | Verra Nature Framework
📊 Quick Hits
1. 🇬🇧 UK Opens £1 Billion National Forest Program — Expressions of Interest Due January 30
The UK confirmed a new national forest for the Oxford-Cambridge corridor. This is part of a £1 billion investment in tree planting. Millions of trees will be planted in coming years.
The opportunity: Defra seeks delivery partners for the Oxford-Cambridge forest. Organizations with large-scale woodland creation experience should apply. Expression of Interest period runs January 12-30, 2026.
The scale: The program could create over 14,000 forestry jobs across Britain. A third national forest in the Midlands or North of England will follow. A competition opens early 2026.
The takeaway: British forestry contractors and tree nurseries should monitor this closely. £1 billion creates significant supply chain demand. Sources: UK Government | Mirage News
2. 🇫🇮 Metsä Board Achieves CDP Triple A — Only Nordic Company to Reach Top Rating
Metsä Board earned A grades in all three CDP categories: Climate Change, Forests, and Water Security. Only 23 companies worldwide achieved this. Metsä Board is the only Nordic company on the list.
The numbers: Out of nearly 20,000 companies scored globally, Metsä Board ranks among the top 23. They've achieved 56% reduction in fossil-based CO₂ emissions since 2018.
Why it matters: CDP scores influence investor decisions. Triple A signals best-in-class environmental governance. Customers with sustainability targets prefer suppliers who score well.
The lesson: ESG credentials matter for market positioning. Nordic forestry companies compete on sustainability claims. Third-party verification like CDP strengthens those claims. Source: Metsä Board Press Release
3. 🇫🇷 France Timber Trade Slows in 2025 — Price Competition Expected in 2026
French timber merchants face declining activity. Cash flow pressure is building. Companies invest in services and skills to stay competitive.
The context: Construction demand remains weak across Europe. France's timber merchants feel the pressure. The market expects price competition to intensify in 2026.
On regulations: EUDR clarity helps planning. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme details remain uncertain. Merchants must prepare for both.
The takeaway: European timber traders should watch French prices. When a major market competes on price, ripple effects spread across borders. Adjust your 2026 projections accordingly. Source: Global Wood Markets Info
4. 🇪🇺 EU Omnibus Package Cuts Sustainability Reporting — 90% of Companies Exempted
The European Parliament approved major changes to sustainability reporting on December 16, 2025. The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) scope dropped by 90%.
New thresholds: CSRD now applies only to companies with more than 1,000 employees AND over €450 million turnover. Previously, the threshold was 250 employees.
What changed: Listed SMEs no longer need to report. Climate transition plans were removed from due diligence requirements. Value chain data requests are limited for companies under 1,000 employees.
Why this matters: Smaller forest industry companies escape reporting burdens. Larger companies still face requirements but with streamlined rules.
The takeaway: If you previously prepared for CSRD compliance, check whether you still qualify. Many medium-sized forestry companies now fall outside the scope. Sources: EU Council | Green Central Banking
📅 The Weeks Ahead
January 21-23, 2026: Central European Biomass Conference (CEBC), Graz, Austria
January 24, 2026: PEFC field mission to Indonesia
January 30, 2026: UK Oxford-Cambridge National Forest Expression of Interest deadline
January 31, 2026: Verra Nature Framework Expression of Interest deadline
Q1 2026: EU Carbon Removals Certification Framework applications open
April 30, 2026: EUDR simplification review deadline
December 30, 2026: EUDR deadline for large and medium operators
💡 One Thing to Try This Week
Evaluate your land for Nature Credits. Verra's framework just opened to all projects. If you manage forest or conservation land, this week is a good time to ask: could we generate Nature Credits?
Five questions to consider:
Do we have land under conservation or restoration?
Can we measure biodiversity outcomes?
What would verification cost?
Who are potential buyers in our network?
Does our existing certification (FSC, PEFC) help or overlap?
Nature Credits are new. Early movers shape the market. Late movers follow established prices. If biodiversity revenue interests you, start researching now.
The Expression of Interest deadline is January 31. That's two weeks away.
Until Tuesday!
Wish you all the best: Peter
P.S. What’s the biggest challenge you’re facing in forestry right now?
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