The Nature Brief for Business.

The Big Picture

Regulation is tightening, with the ECB warning lawmakers not to dilute CSRD rules and courts clamping down on greenwashing claims. Corporate action on deforestation is mixed: Coles steps forward while Woolworths retreats. Finance is scaling across regions, from Brazil’s biodiversity platform to Abu Dhabi’s blue bond.

Key movements this week:

• Biodiversity credits are gaining traction but need stronger price stability and standards.
• Nature tech is accelerating with AI, MRV, and ecosystem platforms scaling globally.
• Carbon markets are expanding fast, with ETS, Article 6, and REDD+ integration shaping climate policy.

Market Essentials

Finance

• The Net Zero Banking Alliance paused activities while considering a restructure. The shift reflects headwinds in aligning finance with net-zero targets.
• Paraná state in Brazil launched a platform expected to mobilise R$100m annually for conservation projects. The model highlights regional innovation in private biodiversity finance.
• UN talks in New York advanced work on the High Seas Treaty’s financial foundations. The discussions signal new global mechanisms for marine conservation funding.
• Peru’s Indigenous-led J-REDD+ program is projected to raise around $200m. The initiative demonstrates the scale of Indigenous leadership in climate finance.
• First Abu Dhabi Bank issued a $50m blue bond for ocean and freshwater projects. The instrument expands financial tools for marine biodiversity.

Targets

• Coles Group pledged to eliminate deforestation from key commodities for in-house brands by year-end. The move sets a supply chain precedent in Australia and could shape government reforms.
• Woolworths reversed its no-deforestation commitment for beef. The decision reflects industry lobbying pressures tied to EU import rules.
• SBTN proposed expanding its freshwater targets to cover wider impacts. The initiative points to a more comprehensive framework for corporate water stewardship.
• Nestlé, PepsiCo, and Unilever joined a new roadmap for deforestation-free palm oil in Aceh, Indonesia. The collaboration aims to safeguard critical habitats while accommodating palm expansion.

Reporting

• ECB President Christine Lagarde warned lawmakers not to weaken CSRD requirements. The intervention underscores EU resolve to keep sustainability disclosures rigorous despite political pushback.
• A Colorado verification firm launched an AI-powered soil mapping tool approved by Verra for ALM. The innovation is expected to improve carbon quantification accuracy and scalability in agriculture.

Trend Watch.

Biodiversity Credits

• A study has warned that price volatility could stall biodiversity credit markets. The authors urged public measures to stabilise uptake and investor confidence.
• The UK allocated funding to develop standardised metrics under the Woodland and Peatland Codes. The goal is to enable credible biodiversity valuation across landscapes.
• Tsavo National Park in Kenya is turning to biodiversity credits after a $7.8m US grant was cut. The shift underscores reliance on new funding channels as traditional aid declines.

Nature Tech

• A US firm launched an AI-powered soil mapping tool approved by Verra for ALM. The technology allows more precise data collection for agricultural carbon credits.
• Researchers in Japan and Taiwan completed East Asia’s first enhanced rock weathering pilot. The test marks a regional step in scaling mineral-based carbon removal.
• Mitti Labs’ digital MRV platform now covers 10m ha of Indian rice farmland. The system aims to generate high-quality credits while cutting methane emissions.
• Scientists published a risk framework for deep-sea mining in the Norwegian Arctic. Regulators can use it to assess environmental impacts of emerging ocean industries.
• Earthshot Labs launched LandOS, a digital ecosystem assessment tool. The platform enables project developers to screen land quickly for carbon and biodiversity potential.

Nature & Net-Zero

• Analysts forecast voluntary carbon credit prices could rise nine-fold by 2040. Oversupply is expected to end in the mid-2030s, creating long-term scarcity.
• An Argentine province is seeking $25/t minimum for J-REDD+ credits. Officials are optimistic about acceptance under CORSIA and Article 6.

Quick Hits.

Policy:

• Eight Amazon nations signed the Declaration of Bogota, backing the Tropical Forest Forever Facility. The agreement supports a non-market approach under Article 6.8 of the Paris Agreement.
• Brazil updated its TFFF concept note with tighter eligibility and stronger IPLC rights. The changes strengthen governance and Indigenous participation.
• Vietnam’s draft forest carbon decree drew criticism for unclear rights and safeguards. Analysts warn the gaps could deter investor participation.
• Indonesia plans to sign a mutual recognition agreement with Plan Vivo in September. A similar deal with the Global Carbon Council is also nearing completion.
• Indonesia will make extended producer responsibility mandatory for plastic packaging in 2025. Producers will have to finance waste recovery and recycling.
• A UK report warned nature loss could cost the economy 4.7% of GDP by 2030. The analysis stresses urgent private sector action.

Markets:

• New Forests acquired part of an Australian beef farm and is weighing carbon project opportunities. The move reflects growing investor interest in agriculture-linked offsets.
• Sarawak, Malaysia, signed forestry carbon cooperation deals with a Finnish tech firm. The partnership will deploy advanced geospatial tools for forest monitoring.
• Ocean carbon removal company Planetary signed $31m worth of offtake deals with buyers including Google, Stripe, and H&M. The contracts confirm strong corporate demand for ocean-based removals.
• Ecosecurities announced partnerships for Article 6 projects in Rwanda. The firm is targeting compliance-linked international carbon markets.

People:

• Peru’s Indigenous-led J-REDD+ program expects to generate ~$200m in proceeds. The initiative highlights the role of Indigenous leadership in scaling finance.
• UNDP in Sri Lanka launched a livestock insurance scheme to cut human–wildlife conflict. The plan provides compensation to protect leopards and farmers.
• A new initiative in Eswatini is promoting gender equity in conservation. The program also supports implementation of the country’s biodiversity strategy.
• Norway pledged increased direct funding to Indigenous communities in Brazil. The move reflects international recognition of their conservation role.

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