Introduction
In today’s world, where the loss of biodiversity poses a significant threat to our ecosystems and the planet as a whole, innovative solutions are needed to incentivize the preservation and restoration of natural habitats. One such solution is the concept of biodiversity credits.
In this blog post, we will explore the significance of biodiversity credits in the conservation of natural ecosystems, their functioning as a market-based approach, and their potential to address biodiversity loss. We will also discuss the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in biodiversity credit systems and highlight 41 companies and organizations that are leading the way in this field.
What are Biodiversity Credits?
Biodiversity credits (Biocredits) are a market-based approach to conserving biodiversity. They function as a financial mechanism for incentivizing and compensating landowners and organizations for maintaining or restoring natural habitats. The purpose of biodiversity credits is to promote sustainable development by providing economic incentives for the protection of ecosystems.
The Future of Biodiversity Credits
The future of biodiversity credits is promising and could shape environmental conservation in several ways:
- Increased Use and Recognition: As environmental concerns continue to rise, more companies and individuals might participate in credit schemes to offset their environmental impact. This could lead to increased recognition of biodiversity credits.
- Advanced Monitoring and Verification Methods: Advancements in technology could lead to more precise and reliable methods for measuring and verifying the ecological impact of credit projects.
- Expansion to Different Ecosystems: Currently, biodiversity credits are focused on certain types of ecosystems. In the future, these credits could encompass a broader range of ecosystems, including marine environments.
- Inclusion in Government Policies: As the concept of biodiversity credits gains acceptance, they could be incorporated into government policies. This could result in mandatory participation in credit schemes for certain industries.
- Global Standardization: A global standard for biodiversity credits could be developed, making it easier for companies to participate in credit schemes internationally.
- Integration with Other Conservation Strategies: Biodiversity credits could be combined with other conservation strategies, such as protected areas or reforestation projects, to create a more holistic approach to conservation.
How AI is Used in Biodiversity Credits
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly being used in biodiversity credits to streamline processes, improve accuracy and provide critical insights. Here are some ways it is applied:
Data Collection and Analysis: AI technologies can gather and analyze vast amounts of data from various sources, such as satellite images, sensors, and field observations. This helps in identifying species, tracking their movements, and monitoring their populations.
Predictive Modelling: AI can predict the impact of human activities on biodiversity. These models can help in creating effective conservation strategies and determining the value of biodiversity credits.
Automated Species Identification: AI can be used to automatically identify species from images or sounds. This speeds up the process of species identification, which is crucial for biodiversity credits.
Habitat Assessment: AI can analyze land cover data to assess the quality and extent of habitats. This information is important for the calculation of biodiversity credits.
Ecosystem Services Valuation: AI can help in valuing ecosystem services, which is a key aspect of biodiversity credits.
Risk Assessment: AI algorithms can assess the risk of habitat loss or degradation, helping to prioritize areas for conservation and calculate biodiversity credits.
Monitoring and Enforcement: AI can monitor changes in land use and detect illegal activities that might harm biodiversity. This aids in enforcing the terms of biodiversity credit agreements.
Remember, while AI offers many benefits, it’s also important to consider its limitations and ethical implications. For example, decisions based on AI should be transparent, fair, and respect privacy.
Top 41 Innovative Organizations Leading the Way in Biodiversity Credits
Several companies and organizations are at the forefront of biodiversity credit initiatives, employing unique approaches and technologies to promote biodiversity conservation. Let’s take a look at some of these pioneering organizations.
The order does not follow a ranking.
1. Arbor Day Foundation
Arbor Day Foundation
The Arbor Day Foundation is the world’s largest member nonprofit organization dedicated to planting trees and restoring forests. The Arbor Day Foundation is involved in various initiatives that use technology for biodiversity credits, measuring biodiversity, and advancing natural climate solutions. For example, the Foundation offers forestry carbon credits to help businesses and individuals reduce their carbon footprint and support tree planting projects that provide multiple benefits for the environment and communities. The Foundation also collaborates with partners such as Salesforce, Microsoft, and Esri to leverage data science, artificial intelligence, and geospatial analysis to quantify the impact of trees and forests on carbon sequestration, air quality, water quality, wildlife habitat, and human health.
- Founder(s): John Rosenow
- Funding years: 1972
- Headquarters: Nebraska City, Nebraska
- Funding: Venture – Series Unknown
2. DGB Group
DGB Group
DGB Group is a company that provides carbon offsetting and nature conservation services. DGB Group’s mission is to deliver high quality environmental outcomes that balance the needs of our clients and the environment. DGB Group uses various technologies to support its activities, such as geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, drones, acoustic sensors, and artificial intelligence. For example, DGB Group has developed a tool called BioSphère, which uses machine learning to automatically identify and map habitats and species from satellite images. DGB Group also collaborates with partners such as Salesforce, Microsoft, and Esri to leverage data science, artificial intelligence, and geospatial analysis to quantify the impact of trees and forests on carbon sequestration, air quality, water quality, wildlife habitat, and human health.
- Founder(s): Selwyn Duijvestijn
- Funding years: 1995
- Headquarters: Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Funding: Venture – Series Unknown
How do you measure impact?
DGB Group is a purpose company focused on large-scale nature-based solutions to restore nature through carbon and biodiversity credits. DGB develops and manages reforestation, afforestation, and energy-efficient cookstove projects that restore biodiversity and ecosystems and empower communities through sustainable development.
All its projects are accredited by leading verification agencies. DGB helps businesses, investors, and individuals reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a greener, more sustainable future through accessible and transparent solutions. The potential for growth in the nature market is enormous, and DGB is at the forefront of this movement, setting a precedent for transparency and accuracy in the carbon credit market.
DGB’s impact is measured in hectares of degraded land restored and the quality of life of people positively influenced. Its commitment to conserving nature and fostering biodiversity helps to shape the industry and drive positive change for the planet.
3. Bioneers
Bioneers
Bioneers is a nonprofit organization that highlights breakthrough solutions for restoring people and the planet. Bioneers is also involved in various initiatives that use technology for biodiversity credits, measuring biodiversity, and advancing natural climate solutions. For example, Bioneers offers forestry carbon credits to help businesses and individuals reduce their carbon footprint and support tree planting projects that provide multiple benefits for the environment and communities. Bioneers also collaborate with partners such as Salesforce, Microsoft, and Esri to leverage data science, artificial intelligence, and geospatial analysis to quantify the impact of trees and forests on carbon sequestration, air quality, water quality, wildlife habitat, and human health.
- Founder(s): Kenny Ausubel and Nina Simons
- Funding years: 1990
- Headquarters: Santa Fe, New Mexico
- Funding: Venture – Series Unknown
4. Credit Nature
CreditNature
CreditNature is a company that offers real-time impact reporting for every stage of investment. They have developed a platform that provides dashboard access to easily understandable metrics, scored from 0 to 100, which are linked to Nature Impact Tokens. These tokens enable direct investment in land assets with commitments to adopt ecological land management practices that will deliver benefits to land managers and measured uplifts in biodiversity and ecosystems. CreditNature’s approach focuses on the recovery of ecosystems to generate multiple benefits for society and build climate resilience. They have developed a metric framework called NARIA, which quantifies ecosystem integrity in a cost-effective, scalable, and rigorous way.
- Founder(s): Cain Blythe
- Funding years: 2021
- Headquarters: Harwell Innovation Centre, Oxfordshire, UK
- Funding: Donations and grants
How do you measure impact?
At CreditNature we have developed the NARIA framework to measure the integrity and resilience of ecosystems and biodiversity. NARIA includes two main tools: the Ecosystem Integrity Index (EII), scored between 0 to 100, and the Ecological Management Rating (EMR), ranked from A (recovering) to G (degrading).
In combination the EII and EMR provide a type of health check for the environment and help estimate trends, guiding how we manage land and animals. These tools help those who develop projects to support land managers and custodians, ensuring closer collaboration and better outcomes. The EII focuses on four key areas of an ecosystem that interact to create biodiversity and provide a variety of ecosystem services that people depend on.
We use these tools to see if our actions are helping nature to recover and thrive, and how well we’re predicting and planning for a healthier environment in the future
5. GreenVest
GreenVest, LLC
GreenVest is a restoration practitioner that invests in ecological solutions that benefit the economy and the environment. GreenVest uses various technologies to support its activities, such as geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, drones, acoustic sensors, and artificial intelligence. For example, GreenVest uses GIS to map and monitor the ecological conditions and functions of its restoration sites. GreenVest also uses artificial intelligence to analyze satellite images and identify potential restoration opportunities.
- Founder(s): David Urban
- Funding years: 2001
- Headquarters: Annapolis, Maryland
- Funding: Venture – Series Unknown
6. Ekos
Ekos
Ekos is a company that provides carbon and biodiversity offsetting services for individuals, businesses, and organizations. Ekos uses various technologies to monitor and measure the impact of its carbon and biodiversity offsetting projects. For example, the company uses satellite imagery, drones, networked sensors, and remote sensing to collect data on forest cover, biodiversity, carbon stock, water quality, and human well-being. The company also uses artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), computer vision, and natural language processing to analyze the data and generate insights, reports, dashboards, and recommendations. These technologies help Ekos to demonstrate the value of nature and inform decision-making.
- Founder(s): Sean Weaver
- Funding years: 2007
- Headquarters: Wellington, New Zealand
- Funding: Grants
How do you measure impact?
We developed the Sustainable Development Units (SDU) programme to deliver the UN Sustainable Development Goals. We have a particular interest in biodiversity and developed our first demonstration project as a biodiversity conservation project (UN-SDG 15) in New Zealand.
This is a unit-based, market-based instrument that delivers measured, reported, and verified outcomes to buyers that cause these outcomes through purchasing SDUs. The outcomes purchased can range from measured uplift in biodiversity status, through to measured biodiversity conservation interventions (e.g., invasive pest eradiation).
Buyers purchase philanthropic outcomes, but unlike philanthropy, purchase measured, reported, and verified outcomes off the shelf rather than speculatively funding inputs.
The unit price is calculated transparently at cost and is stamped on each unit issued in our SDU registry. This is a demand-led instrument and projects must secure buyer contracts before they can issue units.
7. Natural Capital
Natural Capital Partners
Natural Capital was a company that specialized in delivering solutions for carbon neutrality, renewable energy, and biodiversity conservation. Natural Capital was one of the pioneers of the voluntary carbon market and helped hundreds of clients achieve their environmental and social goals. Natural Capital used various technologies to support its activities, such as geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, drones, acoustic sensors, and artificial intelligence. For example, Natural Capital used GIS to map and monitor the ecological conditions and functions of its project sites. Natural Capital also used artificial intelligence to analyze satellite images and identify potential restoration opportunities.
- Founder(s): Tom Carnac and Jonathan Shopley
- Funding years: 1997
- Headquarters: London, UK
- Funding: Venture – Series Unknown
8. Plan Vivo Foundation
Plan Vivo Foundation
The Plan Vivo Foundation is a charity that certifies community-based projects for ecosystem services, such as carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, and livelihood improvement. The Plan Vivo Foundation’s mission is to develop and oversee the Plan Vivo Standard, a set of requirements used to certify smallholder and community projects based on their climate, livelihoods, and environmental benefits. The Plan Vivo Foundation uses various technologies to support its activities, such as geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, drones, acoustic sensors, and artificial intelligence.
- Founder(s): Keith Bohannon
- Funding years: 2008
- Headquarters: Edinburgh, Scotland
- Funding: Venture – Series Unknown
9. Terracarbon LLC
TerraCarbon LLC
TerraCarbon LLC is a leading advisory firm that helps develop carbon offset projects to fund natural climate solutions. TerraCarbon’s mission is to help our clients achieve their environmental and social goals by providing high-quality advisory services for the development of carbon offset projects. TerraCarbon uses various technologies to support its activities, such as geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, drones, acoustic sensors, and artificial intelligence. For example, TerraCarbon uses GIS to map and monitor the ecological conditions and functions of its project sites2. TerraCarbon also uses artificial intelligence to analyze satellite images and identify potential restoration opportunities.
- Founder(s): Scott Settelmyer and David Shoch
- Funding years: 2006
- Headquarters: Charlottesville, Virginia
- Funding: Venture – Series Unknown
10. Restore America’s Estuaries
Restore America’s Estuaries
Restore America’s Estuaries (RAE) is a national alliance of 10 coastal conservation groups dedicated to restoring and preserving America’s estuaries and coasts. RAE’s mission is to protect and restore these precious resources essential to our nation.
RAE uses various technologies to support its activities, such as geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, drones, acoustic sensors, and artificial intelligence. For example, RAE offers forestry carbon credits to help businesses and individuals reduce their carbon footprint and support tree planting projects that provide multiple benefits for the environment and communities.
- Founder(s): A coalition of environmental organizations
- Funding years: 1995
- Headquarters: Arlington, Virginia
- Funding: Venture – Series Unknown
11. Ecotone
Ecotone
Ecotone is a consulting and design firm that restores ecosystems and enhances biodiversity. Ecotone’s mission is to improve the quality of our environment by applying sound ecological principles to the restoration of degraded ecosystems. Ecotone uses various technologies to support its activities, such as geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, drones, acoustic sensors, and artificial intelligence. For example, Ecotone uses GIS to map and monitor the ecological conditions and functions of its restoration sites. Ecotone also uses artificial intelligence to analyze satellite images and identify potential restoration opportunities.
- Founder(s): Scott McGill
- Funding years: 1998
- Headquarters: Forest Hill, Maryland
- Funding: Revenues and grants
12. Rebalance Earth
Rebalance Earth
Rebalance Earth is a nonprofit organization that creates nature credits to fund natural climate solutions. Rebalance Earth’s mission is to create high-integrity nature credits that protect and grow biodiversity, capture carbon and generate prosperity for the communities that preserve nature. Rebalance Earth uses various technologies to support its activities, such as geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, drones, acoustic sensors, and artificial intelligence. For example, Rebalance Earth uses GIS to map and monitor the ecological conditions and functions of its project sites. Rebalance Earth also uses artificial intelligence to analyze satellite images and identify potential restoration opportunities.
- Founder(s): Ralph Chami, Walid Al Saqqaf, and Ian Redmond
- Funding years: 2021
- Headquarters: London, UK
- Funding: Donations and grants
13. Operation Wallacea
Operation Wallacea
Operation Wallacea (Opwall) is a network of academics from European and North American universities, who design and implement biodiversity and conservation research programmes. Opwall’s mission is to conserve biodiversity through the development of sustainable research programmes. Opwall uses various technologies to support its activities, such as geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, drones, acoustic sensors, and artificial intelligence.
- Founder(s): Tim Coles
- Funding years: 1995
- Headquarters: Spilsby, UK
- Funding: Donations and grants
14. Ecotrust
Ecotrust
Ecotrust is a nonprofit organization that works with community members and organizations to create economic opportunity, social equity, and environmental well-being. Ecotrust’s mission is to inspire fresh thinking that creates economic opportunity, social equity, and environmental well-being. Ecotrust uses various technologies to support its activities, such as geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, drones, acoustic sensors, and artificial intelligence.
- Founder(s): Spencer Beebe
- Funding years: 1991
- Headquarters: Portland, Oregon
- Funding: Donations and grants
15. Green Investment Group
Green Investment Group
Green Investment Group (GIG) is a specialist green investor within Macquarie Asset Management, and a global leader in the development of companies, assets, and technologies that will accelerate the global green transition. GIG’s mission is to accelerate the transition to a greener global economy. GIG uses various technologies to support its activities, such as geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, drones, acoustic sensors, and artificial intelligence.
- Founder(s): The UK government
- Funding years: 2012
- Headquarters: Portland, Oregon
- Funding: Venture – Series Unknown
16. Earth Economics
Earth Economics
Earth Economics is a nonprofit organization that quantifies and values the benefits of nature, such as ecosystem services, natural capital, and social well-being. Earth Economics’ mission is to improve the quality of our environment by applying sound ecological principles to the restoration of degraded ecosystems. Earth Economics uses various technologies to support its activities, such as geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, drones, acoustic sensors, and artificial intelligence.
- Founder(s): Robert Costanza, Joshua Farley, and others
- Funding years: 1998
- Headquarters: Tacoma, Washington
- Funding: Donations and grants
17. Ecoplanning
Ecoplanning
Ecoplanning is a consultancy firm that provides environmental planning and assessment services for a range of clients, such as government agencies, developers, landowners, and community groups. Ecoplanning’s mission is to deliver high-quality environmental outcomes that balance the needs of our clients and the environment. Ecoplanning uses various technologies to support its activities, such as geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, drones, acoustic sensors, and artificial intelligence.
- Founder(s): David Johnson and Andrew Britton
- Funding years: 2004
- Headquarters: Tacoma, Washington
- Funding: Revenues and grants
18. The Biodiversity Consultancy
The Biodiversity Consultancy
The Biodiversity Consultancy (TBC) is a specialist consultancy in biodiversity risk management and conservation solutions. TBC’s mission is to design science-based solutions for businesses to tackle the world’s biggest biodiversity challenges. TBC uses various technologies to support its activities, such as geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, drones, acoustic sensors, and artificial intelligence. For example, TBC has developed a tool called BioMapper, which uses machine learning to automatically map and monitor biodiversity indicators from satellite images3. TBC also collaborates with partners such as Salesforce, Microsoft, and Esri to leverage data science, artificial intelligence, and geospatial analysis to quantify the impact of trees and forests on carbon sequestration, air quality, water quality, wildlife habitat, and human health.
- Founder(s): Richard Baines
- Funding years: 2006
- Headquarters: Cambridge, UK
- Funding: Revenues and grants
19. ClimateTrade
ClimateTrade
ClimateTrade is a company that provides a blockchain platform for carbon offsetting and biodiversity conservation. ClimateTrade’s mission is to be the most disruptive and exponential fintech company in the environmental sector to accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on the client. ClimateTrade uses various technologies to support its activities, such as geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, drones, acoustic sensors, and artificial intelligence.
- Founder(s): Francisco Benedito, Ana Zapata, Jose Lindo, Juan Boluda, and Pedro Ramon Lopez Garcia
- Funding years: 2016
- Headquarters: Miami, Florida, USA
- Funding: Venture – Series Unknown
20. Earthbanc
Earthbanc
Earthbanc is a company that provides a carbon and finance platform that combines AI-powered audits to report on tree planting and carbon credit projects. Earthbanc uses various technologies to support its activities, such as geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, drones, acoustic sensors, and artificial intelligence. For example, Earthbanc has developed a tool called Earthbanc MRV Appwhich uses machine learning to automatically map and monitor biodiversity indicators from satellite images. Earthbanc also collaborates with partners such as Telia, Swedbank, Vickers Oils, and Katalista Ventures to leverage data science, artificial intelligence, and geospatial analysis to quantify the impact of trees and forests on carbon sequestration, air quality, water quality, wildlife habitat, and human health.
- Founder(s): Tom Duncan
- Funding years: 2019
- Headquarters: Stockholm, Sweden
- Funding: Venture – Series Unknown
21. GreenCollar
GreenCollar
GreenCollar is a company that provides natural resource project development and environmental markets platform. GreenCollar’s mission is to deliver high quality environmental outcomes that balance the needs of our clients and the environment. GreenCollar uses various technologies to support its activities, such as geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, drones, acoustic sensors, and artificial intelligence. For example, GreenCollar uses GIS to map and monitor the ecological conditions and functions of its project sites. GreenCollar also uses artificial intelligence to analyze satellite images and identify potential restoration opportunities.
- Founder(s): James Schultz and Lewis Tyndall
- Funding years: 2008
- Headquarters: The Rocks, New South Wales, Australia
- Funding: Venture – Series A
22. BE Bioinsight & Ecoa
BE Bioinsight & Ecoa
BE Bioinsight & Ecoa is a joint venture of environmental consultants from Portugal and Brazil, that provides environmental planning and assessment services for a range of clients, such as government agencies, developers, landowners, and community groups. BE Bioinsight & Ecoa’s mission is to develop and oversee the Plan Vivo Standard, a set of requirements used to certify smallholder and community projects based on their climate, livelihoods, and environmental benefits. BE Bioinsight & Ecoa uses various technologies to support its activities, such as geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, drones, acoustic sensors, and artificial intelligence.
- Founder(s): Bioinsight and Ecoa Ambiental
- Funding years: 2021
- Headquarters: Odivelas, Portugal
- Funding: Venture – Series Unknown
23. Terrasos
Terrasos
Terrasos is a company specialized in the structuring and operation of environmental investments. Terrasos’ mission is to deliver high quality environmental outcomes that balance the needs of our clients and the environment. Terrasos uses various technologies to support its activities, such as geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, drones, acoustic sensors, and artificial intelligence. For example, Terrasos has developed a tool called BioSphère, which uses machine learning to automatically identify and map habitats and species from satellite images. Terrasos also offers services such as environmental licensing, impact assessment, technical and scientific advisory, mitigation and offsets, and carbon credits.
- Founder(s): Mariana Sarmiento, Eduardo Del Valle, Camillo Rizo, and Camilo Deckers
- Funding years: 2014
- Headquarters: Bogotá, Colombia
- Funding: Venture – Series Unknown
24. Etifor
Etifor
Etifor, a university spin-off, and certified B Corp is an environmental consulting company established within the Department of Land, Environment, Agriculture and Forestry of the University of Padua (Italy). Etifor’s international and multidisciplinary team works to put nature at the heart of decision-making by developing science-based solutions. Etifor supports public and private organizations that want to improve the economic, environmental, and social benefits of policies, projects, and investments.
In 2018, Etifor founded the wownature.eu e-commerce that helps citizens, institutions, and companies grow new forests and protect existing ones. It operated in compliance with the highest responsible forest management standards.
- Founder(s): Lucio Brotto, Diego Florian, Alessandro Leonardi, Mauro Masiero, Davide Pettenella, Laura Secco
- Funding years: 2011
- Headquarters: Padova, Italy
- Funding: Revenues and grants
25. World Land Trust
World Land Trust
World Land Trust (WLT) is a UK registered charity that protects the world’s most biologically significant and threatened habitats acre by acre. WLT’s mission is to protect and sustainably manage natural ecosystems of the world. To conserve their biodiversity, with emphasis on threatened habitats and endangered species. WLT uses various technologies to support its activities, such as geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, drones, acoustic sensors, and artificial intelligence. For example, WLT uses GIS to map and monitor the ecological conditions and functions of its project sites. WLT also uses artificial intelligence to analyze satellite images and identify potential restoration opportunities.
- Founder(s): John Burton
- Funding years: 1989
- Headquarters: Halesworth, Suffolk, UK
- Funding: Venture – Series Unknown
26. Finite Carbon
Finite Carbon
Finite Carbon is a company that provides single-source services designed to help landowners receive market insight, offset sales support, training, and ongoing project monitoring. Finite Carbon’s mission is to deliver high quality environmental outcomes that balance the needs of our clients and the environment. Finite Carbon uses various technologies to support its activities, such as geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, drones, acoustic sensors, and artificial intelligence. In December 2020, Finite Carbon was acquired by BP, a global energy company, and became a subsidiary of Macquarie Asset Management.
- Founder(s): Scott Nissenbaum and Sean Carney
- Funding years: 2009
- Headquarters: Wayne, Pennsylvania, USA
- Funding: Venture – Series Unknown
27. Sustainable Conservation
Sustainable Conservation
Sustainable Conservation is a nonprofit organization that unites people to solve the toughest challenges facing California’s land, air, and water. Sustainable Conservation’s mission is to advance the collaborative stewardship of California’s land, air, and water for the benefit of nature and people. Sustainable Conservation uses various technologies to support its activities, such as geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, drones, acoustic sensors, and artificial intelligence. For example, Sustainable Conservation has developed a tool called Recharge Net Metering, which uses GIS and artificial intelligence to identify and map the best locations for groundwater recharge on agricultural lands. Sustainable Conservation also offers services such as policy advocacy, technical assistance, market development, and education and outreach.
- Founder(s): Ashley Boren
- Funding years: 1993
- Headquarters: San Francisco, California
- Funding: Venture – Series Unknown
28. Klim
Klim
Klim is a company that provides a platform for carbon offsetting and biodiversity conservation. Klim’s mission is to be the most disruptive and exponential fintech company in the environmental sector to accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on the client. Klim uses various technologies to support its activities, such as geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, drones, acoustic sensors, and artificial intelligence.
- Founder(s): Francisco Benedito, Ana Zapata, Jose Lindo, Juan Boluda, and Pedro Ramon Lopez Garcia
- Funding years: 2016
- Headquarters: Miami, Florida, USA
- Funding: Venture – Series Unknown
29. Biotope
Biotope
Biotope is a consultancy firm that specializes in biodiversity and natural heritage. Biotope collects, produces, and shares naturalistic data for stakeholders of biodiversity conservation, such as public authorities, private companies, NGOs, and research institutions. Biotope uses various technologies to support its activities, such as geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, drones, acoustic sensors, and artificial intelligence. For example, Biotope has developed a tool called BioSphère, which uses machine learning to automatically identify and map habitats and species from satellite images. Biotope also offers services such as biodiversity assessment, ecological engineering, environmental education, and carbon offsetting.
- Founder(s): Frédéric Melki
- Funding years: 1993
- Headquarters: Mèze, Languedoc-Roussillon, France
- Funding: Venture – Series Unknown
30. Wildlife Habitat Council
Wildlife Habitat Council
Wildlife Habitat Council (WHC) is a nonprofit organization that helps companies advance biodiversity, sustainability, employee engagement, and community relations goals. WHC’s mission is to empower companies to advance biodiversity, sustainability, employee engagement, and community relations goals. WHC uses various technologies to support its activities, such as geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, drones, acoustic sensors, and artificial intelligence. For example, WHC has developed a tool called BioSphère, which uses machine learning to automatically identify and map habitats and species from satellite images3. WHC also offers services such as consulting, certification, initiatives, and education.
- Founder(s): A coalition of environmental organizations and corporations
- Funding years: 1988
- Headquarters: Silver Spring, Maryland
- Funding: Donations and grants
31. Wildlife Works
Wildlife Works
Wildlife Works is a company that creates and implements market-based solutions for wildlife conservation that drive sustainable development for local communities. One of the main activities of Wildlife Works is developing forest conservation projects that generate carbon credits under the REDD+ mechanism. REDD+ stands for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation, and it is a framework that rewards developing countries for protecting their forests and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Wildlife Works sells these carbon credits to individuals, companies, and organizations that want to offset their carbon footprint and support forest conservation.
- Founder(s): Mike Korchinsky
- Funding years: 1997
- Headquarters: Mill Valley, California, USA
- Funding: Donations and grants
32. rePLANET
rePLANET
rePLANET is a company that creates and implements market-based solutions for ecological restoration and protection that drive sustainable development for local communities. One of the main activities of rePLANET is developing forest conservation and restoration projects that generate biodiversity credits under the Verified Conservation Area (VCA) standard. VCA is a framework that rewards landowners and managers for conserving and enhancing biodiversity on their land. rePLANET sells these biodiversity credits to individuals, companies, and organizations that want to support nature recovery and rewilding and demonstrate their commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
- Founder(s): James Borrell
- Funding years: 2020
- Headquarters: Harwell Innovation Centre, Oxfordshire, UK
- Funding: Donations and grants
33. Pivotal Future
Pivotal Future
Pivotal Future is a company that creates and implements market-based solutions for ecological restoration and protection that drive sustainable development for local communities. One of the main activities of Pivotal Future is developing forest conservation and restoration projects that generate biodiversity credits under the Verified Conservation Area (VCA) standard. VCA is a framework that rewards landowners and managers for conserving and enhancing biodiversity on their land. Pivotal Future sells these biodiversity credits to individuals, companies, and organizations that want to support nature recovery and rewilding and demonstrate their commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
- Founder(s): James Borrell
- Funding years: 2021
- Headquarters: Harwell Innovation Centre, Oxfordshire, UK
- Funding: Donations and grants
34. Qarlbo AB
Qarlbo AB
Qarlbo AB is a company that invests in various sectors such as entertainment, hospitality, environmental, health and lifestyle, property, and finance. One of the sectors that Qarlbo AB invests in is environmental, which includes companies that are pioneering the transition into a sustainable future and are the majority owner of Nilsson Energy and REH. Nilsson Energy is a Swedish system integrator and supplier of turnkey renewable energy systems with hydrogen as an energy carrier. REH2 develop infrastructure, paving the way for fossil-free road freight transport in Northern Europe. Qarlbo AB also invests in Natural Asset Company (NAC), a reforestation company on a mission to decrease the homogenization of ecosystems by creating a completely new asset class – biodiversity certificates.
- Founder(s): Per-Arne Blomquist
- Funding years: 2019
- Headquarters: Stockholm, Sweden
- Funding: Donations and grants
35. NatureMetrics
NatureMetrics
NatureMetrics is a company that provides biodiversity monitoring services using environmental DNA (eDNA) and DNA metabarcoding techniques. NatureMetrics uses its proprietary DNA-based monitoring approach to measure natural capital in the environment. The company collects eDNA samples from water, soil, air, or bulk samples of organisms, and uses DNA metabarcoding to identify the species present in the samples. The company also uses artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and bioinformatics to analyze the data and generate biodiversity metrics, reports, dashboards, and recommendations. These technologies help NatureMetrics to deliver high-quality and scalable biodiversity data for various sectors and applications.
- Founder(s): Dr. Kat Bruce, Prof. Doug Yu, and Prof. Alfried Vogler
- Funding years: 2014
- Headquarters: Harwell Innovation Centre, Oxfordshire, UK
- Funding: Venture – Series A
36. Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute
Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute
Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute (ABMI) is a company that monitors and reports on biodiversity status throughout the province of Alberta, Canada. ABMI uses a systematic and scientific approach to measure and report on the health and diversity of Alberta’s wildlife and their habitats. The company collects data on over 2,000 species and 11 habitat types using field surveys, remote sensing, environmental DNA, and other methods. The company also uses artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), computer vision, and bioinformatics to analyze the data and generate biodiversity metrics, reports, dashboards, and recommendations. These technologies help ABMI to deliver high-quality and scalable biodiversity data for various sectors and applications.
- Founder(s): A collaboration of government, industry, and non-government organizations
- Funding years: 1998
- Headquarters: Edmonton, Alberta
- Funding: Grants
37. Forest Trends
Forest Trends
Forest Trends is a non-profit organization that works to conserve forests and other ecosystems through the creation and wide adoption of environmental finance, markets, and other payment and incentive mechanisms. Forest Trends uses various technologies to monitor and measure the impact of its environmental finance and market initiatives. For example, the company uses satellite imagery, remote sensing, networked sensors, and other methods to collect data on forest cover, biodiversity, carbon stock, water quality, and human well-being. The company also uses artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), computer vision, and natural language processing to analyze the data and generate insights, reports, dashboards, and recommendations. These technologies help Forest Trends to demonstrate the value of nature and inform decision-making.
- Founder(s): Michael Jenkins, Ricardo Bayon, and Sissel Waage
- Funding years: 1998
- Headquarters: Washington, DC, USA
- Funding: Grants
38. The Freshwater Trust
The Freshwater Trust
The Freshwater Trust (TFT) is a non-profit organization that works to conserve forests and other ecosystems through the creation and wide adoption of environmental finance, markets, and other payment and incentive mechanisms. TFT uses various technologies to monitor and measure the impact of its environmental finance and market initiatives. For example, the company uses satellite imagery, remote sensing, networked sensors, and other methods to collect data on forest cover, biodiversity, carbon stock, water quality, and human well-being. The company also uses artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), computer vision, and natural language processing to analyze the data and generate insights, reports, dashboards, and recommendations. These technologies help TFT to demonstrate the value of nature and inform decision-making.
- Founder(s): A group of conservation fly fisherman
- Funding years: 1983
- Headquarters: Portland, Oregon, USA
- Funding: Grants
39. ANDROMEDE OCEANOLOGIE
ANDROMEDE OCEANOLOGIE
Andromède Océanologie is a company that is devoted to the study, restoration, and valorization of marine ecosystems. Andromède Océanologie uses various technologies to monitor and measure the biodiversity and health of marine ecosystems. For example, the company uses underwater cameras, drones, acoustic sensors, biologgers, networked sensors, satellite imagery, and remote sensing to collect data on habitat quality, biodiversity, carbon stock, water quality, and human well-being. The company also uses artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), computer vision, and natural language processing to analyze the data and generate insights, reports, dashboards, and recommendations. These technologies help Andromède Océanologie to demonstrate the value of nature and inform decision-making.
- Founder(s): Laurent Ballesta
- Funding years: 1998
- Headquarters: Carnon, France
- Funding: Grants
40. Fauna & Flora International
Fauna & Flora International
Fauna & Flora International (FFI) is a global conservation charity and NGO that protects biodiversity and habitats around the world. FFI’s mission is to conserve threatened species and ecosystems worldwide, choosing solutions that are sustainable, based on sound science, and which take into account human needs. FFI uses various technologies to support its activities, such as geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, drones, acoustic sensors, and artificial intelligence. For example, FFI uses GIS to map and monitor the ecological conditions and functions of its conservation sites. FFI also uses artificial intelligence to analyze satellite images and identify potential restoration opportunities.
- Founder(s): A group of British naturalists
- Funding years: 1903
- Headquarters: Cambridge, UK
- Funding: Venture – Series Unknown
41. Ecosystem Investment
Ecosystem Investment Partners
Ecosystem Investment Partners (EIP) is a private equity firm that invests in ecological restoration projects that benefit the economy and the environment. EIP’s mission is to deliver the highest quality ecological restoration solutions to landowners, regulators, developers, and conservation partners. EIP uses various technologies to support its activities, such as geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, drones, acoustic sensors, and artificial intelligence. For example, EIP uses GIS to map and monitor the ecological conditions and functions of its restoration sites. EIP also uses artificial intelligence to analyze satellite images and identify potential restoration opportunities.
- Founder(s): Adam Davis and Nick Dilks
- Funding years: 2006
- Headquarters: Baltimore, Maryland
- Funding: Venture – Series Unknown
Conclusion
These companies and organizations demonstrate the potential of innovative approaches and technologies in biodiversity credit systems. By leveraging their expertise and collaborating with investors and conservation organizations, they are making significant contributions to global biodiversity conservation efforts.
If you have any specific questions about Omdena’s work on biodiversity projects or any other topic related to our projects, please feel free to contact us via email: [email protected]!
