April 29, 2025 – The Landscape Partnership Asia (LPA) organized its fourth webinar in collaboration with the Biodiversity Credit Alliance (BCA). Under the theme, “Biocredit Schemes: Unlocking Nature’s Value for a Sustainable Future”, the webinar commenced with remarks by Mr. Sunpil Jin, Vice Executive Director of AFoCO. He welcomed participants to the first LPA Webinar of 2025 and emphasized the significance of biodiversity credit schemes and the role of Indigenous people in nature stewardship.
Following the opening remarks, Mr. Hyungmin Kim from the AFoCO Secretariat introduced the session format: interactive surveys, keynote presentations, and a Q&A session. He also provided an overview of the LPA and its mission to combat land degradation.
Presentation 1. Introduction to Biocredit Schemes and Principles of Integrity
Manesh Lacoul, Global Coordinator at BCA
Mr. Manesh Lacoul elaborated on the concept of biodiversity credits and explained their differentiation from carbon credits, particularly in terms of fungibility and outcome diversity. Mr. Lacoul outlined the objectives of BCA in shaping a high-integrity biodiversity credit market. He also underscored the importance of recognizing three types of biodiversity outcomes: (1) uplift (restoration), (2) avoided loss (reduction in threats), and (3) maintenance. His presentation concluded with an overview of BCA’s governance structure and partnerships.
Presentation 2. Role of Indigenous Peoples, Local Communities and Afro-descendants in High-Integrity Nature Markets
Esther Netshivongvheni, chair at International Environmental Guardianship
Ms. Esther Netshivongvheni presented “Rights-First Approach” to biodiversity market. Ms. Netshivongvheni framed the concept of “nature markets” as inclusive of all nature-positive solutions, including but not limited to biodiversity credits. She stressed the need for ethical and equitable participation by Indigenous Peoples, local communities, and Afro-descendants, who are recognized as heritage stewards of biodiversity hotspots. She also introduced the “8 Billion Hour Pledge,” which seeks to mobilize global community stewardship for nature by 2030. Her presentation described models of community involvement from full autonomy to stakeholder participation and emphasized the need for projects to align with community rights and traditional governance.
Presentation 3. Conservation International – Case Studies of Biodiversity Credits
Erika Korosi, Fellow and Senior Director at Nature Markets
Ms. Erika Korosi featured insights from Conservation International’s global strategy and the supply side of the nature credit market. Ms. Korosi distinguished between two types of crediting scenarios: (1) conservation or stewardship and (2) uplift credits. She pointed out the complexity of measuring biodiversity outcomes and the significance of community consent, benefit sharing, and data sovereignty. She also showcased pilot projects in South Africa, Australia, the Philippines, Colombia, Peru, and Niue to illustrate different project types and contexts.
After the presentations, the webinar transitioned into an interactive survey session moderated by Mr. Manesh Lacoul. Participants identified Indigenous Peoples and local communities as the most critical stakeholders. In addition, financial incentives for land stewardship and new income streams for communities were considered key benefits of biodiversity credits. Primary motivations for purchasing credits included addressing nature-related business risks and fulfilling corporate social responsibility. Greenwashing was also cited as the most pressing issue, followed by measurement challenges.
In the Q&A session, Mr. Hyungmin Kim opened the floor for questions. Questions addressed legal and regulatory engagement and the potential to stack biodiversity credits with existing carbon projects. Speakers brought attention to the importance of integrity and inclusivity, while acknowledging the nascent nature of the market. They also underscored that while the biodiversity credit market remains in its infancy, there is growing interest and recognition of its potential.
In closing, Mr. Manesh Lacoul offered final reflections, reiterating the need for thoughtful implementation and collaboration across sectors. He encouraged continued dialogue and expressed optimism about biodiversity credits.
The fourth LPA Webinar successfully concluded with over 60 participants, providing opportunities to learn about biodiversity credits in supporting sustainable forest and landscape restoration efforts. The webinar would become a milestone to foster new ideas and cooperation for restoring drylands and building resilient landscapes. LPA will continue efforts to contribute to restoring and sustainably managing drylands and drought-prone areas across Asia.
