New video series highlights the power of high integrity biocredit schemes to conserve nature
IIED and partners in Uganda and Zambia have piloted biocredit schemes in full collaboration with local communities. This new set of videos tells the story of that experience, including lessons learnt and next steps for the projects.
By facilitating investment in natural and social capital, biocredits are a tool that enables companies to commit to, and measure, sustainability and social objectives (Video: Here Now Films and Afro Dreams)
As the Business of Conservation Conference kicks off in Nairobi, Kenya, IIED is launching a series of short videos, telling the story of biodiversity credit – biocredit – schemes that have been piloted in the northern Albertine rift region of Uganda and the Tondwa Nature Reserve in the northern province of Zambia.
These high integrity schemes, run with full involvement of communities in their design, management and implementation, have huge potential for nature conservation and restoration, and for building sustainable livelihoods.
Biocredits are a measurable and credible way for companies and individuals to invest in nature. Meanwhile, communities gain from the benefits that nature provides to wellbeing, livelihoods and culture. A video aimed at buyers and investors sets out how the scheme works.
Two more videos provide a specific focus on the schemes in Uganda and Zambia.
For practitioners, two videos set out the lessons that have been learned along the way in Zambia and Uganda: the risks involved and the ways of dealing with these; the things that have worked well and what could be done better.
All valuable knowledge for enabling these schemes to be applied elsewhere.
On nature markets day (6 March) at the Business of Conservation Conference, these short videos are a quick way to understand what a high integrity biocredit scheme is, its potential for companies and individuals wanting to invest – at the same time as supporting sustainability – and the value of this specific approach. Communities are at the centre of the schemes and are committed to making them work.
Contact
Paul Steele ([email protected]), chief economist, IIED's Shaping Sustainable Markets research group
