Project Certification Requirements for Biodiversity Credit Funding

To uphold the integrity, accountability, and ecological impact of all projects financed through our biodiversity credit mechanism, we require all participating initiatives to follow a structured certification and reporting process. This ensures transparency, verifiable conservation outcomes, and long-term project sustainability.

Pre-Financing Requirements

Proof of Land Control

A certificate of ownership or formal agreement demonstrating long-term stewardship or custodianship of the project land.

Geographic Definition

A clearly demarcated boundary of the land using Google Maps or equivalent GIS coordinates. (We can assist with this if needed.)

Detailed Project Proposal

The proposal must outline the project's objectives—whether for the preservation of existing biodiversity or for the restoration of degraded ecosystems—and must include:

a) A list of any known threatened or endangered species present

b) A profile of major indigenous flora and fauna

c) Identification of threats such as poaching, deforestation, encroachment, pollution, etc.

d) Historical data or reports on environmental degradation or deforestation in the area

e) Commitment to implement EarthRanger software for live field data tracking

f) A clear action plan detailing:

- Estimated number and roles of employees or rangers

- Border protection measures or systems to mitigate future environmental risks

- Required equipment or infrastructure purchases for project execution

Baseline Environmental Impact Assessment

A scientific evaluation of the current ecological state of the land to serve as a baseline for future impact measurement.

Community Engagement Plan

An outline of how local communities will be involved and supported through the project, including employment, education, and stewardship opportunities.

Post-Financing Obligations

Live EarthRanger Access

Real-time access to EarthRanger, showing ranger patrol routes, wildlife sightings, potential threats, and operational data.

Annual Aerial Mapping

A high-definition drone-captured map of the conservation area. Our drone mapping system must be purchased as part of the project budget. These maps are delivered annually and can be made available upon request.

Thermal Heat Map Imaging

Annual drone-based thermal mapping of the land to highlight vegetation density, soil moisture, illegal encroachments, or habitat loss.

Webcam Surveillance

Live webcam access from key observation points in the conservation zone to ensure real-time oversight and public engagement.

Financial Transparency

Periodic financial reports that clearly outline expenditures and how funds have been utilized in line with the project proposal.

Annual Biodiversity Impact Report

A yearly report assessing progress toward ecological goals, including positive outcomes, challenges, and any changes to the conservation strategy.

Biodiversity Monitoring Protocol

To ensure rigorous scientific evaluation of each project’s ecological effectiveness, every funded initiative must implement a Biodiversity Monitoring Protocol, which includes:

Species Monitoring Schedule: A defined calendar for periodic biodiversity surveys (e.g., quarterly or biannually) covering key taxa such as mammals, birds, insects, and plant life.

Methodology Standardization: Use of standardized survey methods (e.g., camera traps, transect walks, drone surveys, acoustic monitoring) to ensure data consistency and comparability.

Biodiversity Index Tracking: Ongoing measurement of biodiversity indicators such as species richness, abundance, and presence of indicator species.

Citizen Science or Community Involvement: Where appropriate, involvement of trained community members in data collection to build local capacity and engagement.

Integration with EarthRanger: All relevant field data should be uploaded to EarthRanger for live tracking, centralization, and analysis.

Reporting and Review: Annual biodiversity monitoring data must be submitted alongside financial and operational reports and will be reviewed to assess compliance and ecological return on investment.