New Markets for Biodiversity - new opportunities for local communities?
Katja Arzt, EUROPARC Germany, Berlin (DE)
Naturparcs complete many socially beneficial conservation projects that are valuable to the country. For example, sustainable ecological use of meadow orchards leads to an increase in biodiversity. However, these beneficial are no longer byproducts of modern landuse. Orchards are given up, because they are economical insufficient. EUROPARC Germany therefor seeks to establish a market mechanism for ecosystem services in which the local community is involved. Companies and private investors on the demand side will find opportunities to invest in nature projects in Germany that meet their quantifiable sustainability requirements. Out of certified nature projects, EUROPARC Germany will sell high quality nature certificates.