Open letter: the need for a site‐based biodiversity standard measuring and certifying impacts from nature‐based projects

Author(s):
Bartholomew, D.; Smith, P.; De Vitis, M.; Gann, G.; Mosyaftiani, A.; Abdalqader, H.; Abel, L.; Adhimabo, L.; Aerts, A.; Aggarwal, L.; Ahmed, R.; Alvarez‐Clare, S.; Andriamihajarivo, T.; Andringa‐Davis, A.; Angappan, H.; Aranda‐Pineda, J.; Arregi, I.; Baker, W.; Baldwin, K.; Baron, A.; Barreiro, G.; Barstow, M.; Basciu, D.; Bayarkhuu, S.; Beets, N. (0009-0006-7842-3347); Bejerano, A.; Birchenko, I.; Birkinshaw, C.; Bisang, I.; Blackmore, S.; Boers, A.; Bouman, R. (0000-0002-2949-3318); Bradley, R.; Brancalion, P.; Breman, E.; Buisson, E.; Bulafu, C.; Burchard‐Levine, A.; Burslem, D.; Bussmann, R.; Calle‐Loor, A.; Callow, C.; Covill, C.; Camara, C.; Cambria, V. E.; Cardoso, F.; Carr, D.; Carriconde, F.; Carvey, N.; Chan, T.; Chavarot, G.; Cheuk, M.; Chhabra, T.; Chopra, V.; Chrystal, B.; Coffey, E.; Cole, R.; Colleran, B.; Comte, A.; Contardo, M.; Cowell, C.; D'helft, D.; da Gama, A.; Dalrymple, S.; de Castro Ramos, G.; De la Rosa Portilla, A.; Demissew, S.; Deverell, R.; Diazgranados, M.; Durzi, S.; Dutra, E.; Erler, T.; Eserman, L.; Fantozzi, I.; Fernández Zeballos, J.; Frankland, A.‐M.; Freid, E.; Gaches, P.; Gale, S.; Gallagher, R.; Galloni, M.; Gianella, M.; Gichira, A.; Gichua, M.; Gichuru, T.; Giles, A.; Girao da Cruz, T.; Gomez Garcia, O.; Gould, S.; Gravendeel, B. (0000-0002-6508-0895); Guclu, C.; Hallaire, S.; Hardwick, K.; Harvey‐Brown, Y.; Hasinger, O.; Hau, B.; Havens, K.; Havström, M.; Hearsum, J.; Heath, M.; Hector, A.; Heinrich, V.; Heinzman, R.; Hills, R.; Hofmeyr, M.; Holl, K.; Hribar, D.; Hudson, A.; Hybler, S.; Jaonasy, M.; Javan, S.; Jenkins, J.; Jin, X.; Kagane, W.; Karanja, W. D.; Karpate, Y.; Kildisheva, O.; Kindt, R.; Kool, A.; Kroll, C.; Kusuma, Y.; Laffusa, K.; LeBreton, T.; Libra, S.; Linatoc, A.; Lopez‐Gallego, C.; Luke, Q.; Luna Monterrojo, V.; Mahajan, G.; Malombe, I.; Mamani, J.; Martinelli, G.; Martinez, R.; Maruri‐Aguilar, B.; Mata Quirós, M.; McGinnis, D.; Meijer, W.; Milne, S.; Montemayor, M.; Morris, P.; Muema, M.; Mulwa, D.; Mungai, T.; Musa, M.; Muthoka, J.; Mutiso, T.; Mwamodenyi, J.; Nassar, A.; Neale, J.; Ng, A.; Ngumbau, V.; Niphadkar, M.; Njilima, F.; Noromalalaharivelo, R.; Novy, A.; O'Sullivan, F.; Orellana‐Garcia, A.; Otieno, V.; Palodang, R.; Pascual, I.; Paslavskyi, M.; Paul, K.; Peach, J.; Piedra, L. N.; Polatin, C.; Pongen, Z.; Poulain, T.; Prieto, J.; Rabenantoandro, J.; Radhakrishnan, S.; Raharimampionona, J.; Rakotoarivony, F.; Rakotozafy, B.; Ralainaorina, T.; Ramahefamanana, N.; Ramanambohitra, N.; Ramirez, K.; Ramos, E.; Ratovoson, F.; Razafindranaivo, S.; Razafitsalama, L.; Reed, P.; Reid, L.; Reidy, D.; Ren, H.; Renner, C.; Reyes‐Betancort, J.; Reynolds, C.; Ricalde, I.; Rivers, M.; Roger, R.; Ross, K.; Rowland, L.; Rowntree, J.; Roy, M.; Rui, J. V.; Sala, J.; San Martín, N. M.; Sánchez Martínez, E.; Sanders, D.; Saviour, A.; Schoenenberger, N.; Schwarzer, U.; Silvia Assini, S.; Simfukwe, E.; Singh, M.; Shah, T.; Shaw, N.; Smith, G.; Spears‐Lebrun, L.; Stamenkovic, V.; Stuart‐Smith, P.; Sujarwo, W.; Summerell, B.; Summers, A.; Szuter, M.; Tadey, M.; Taifour, H.; Tatayah, V.; Thomas, E.; Thompson, S.; Tilahimena, A.; Tilman, G.; Tobias, A.; Tomsovic, P.; Toohill, M.; Tornevall, H.; Traeholt, N.; Tsirizeni, M.; Tustin, M.; Tweheyo, C.; Ulian, T.; Vallejo, E.; van Midwoud, P.; Vázquez Corzas, F.; Vedovato, L.; Veldman, S.; Vergeles, Y.; Viana Lima, D.; Vovides, A.; Vroeg, P.; Walsh, J.; Watve, A.; Werden, L.; Westwood, M.; Whaley, O.; Wiecek, A.; Wilson, B.; Wolkis, D.; Wondu, H.; Wyse Jackson, P.; Yadrick, M.; Yan, W.; Zevit, P.; Zuluaga Carrero, J.
Published
2026
Publication type
Article / Letter to editor

Abstract

Despite growing investment in restoration, weak accountability and poor biodiversity monitoring mean many projects fail to achieve ecological recovery. The Global Biodiversity Standard (TGBS) offers a practical way to ensure that restoration finance delivers measurable gains for nature. By providing independent, site-based verification and engaging local experts, TGBS builds trust, transparency and equity in restoration practice. Its adoption could transform how governments, investors and businesses assess success, ensuring that global restoration commitments genuinely protect, enhance and restore biodiversity.

Date issued
2026-03-23
Language
English
Publisher
Wiley
Is part of
Plants, People, Planet (2026), Vol. 8, no. 5, p. 1394-1402
Advanced publication
Yes
hdl
1887/5003712
doi
10.1002/ppp3.70169
URL
10.1002/ppp3.70169
URL
https://doi.org/10.1002/ppp3.70169