Eco-Markets Australia Launches First-Ever Biodiversity Credit Scheme for Rainforest Restoration

Por Agroempresario.com  

In a pioneering step for environmental finance, Eco-Markets Australia has officially launched the country’s first biodiversity credit program focused on rainforest recovery, coinciding with the United Nations International Day for Biological Diversity. The initiative, called the Wet Tropics Rainforest Recovery Program, introduces “Cassowary Credits”—a new type of biodiversity credit that incentivizes landholders to restore degraded rainforest wetlands in Queensland’s Wet Tropics region.

A New Era for Biodiversity Markets in Australia

Administered by Eco-Markets Australia, an independent environmental market operator, the Cassowary Credits mark a turning point in conservation finance. Unlike traditional biodiversity credits that are often bundled with carbon offsets, these credits are standalone and measurable, solely rewarding ecological improvements.

“This is entirely about the uplift in the condition of the rainforest habitat,” said Maree Adshead, CEO of Eco-Markets Australia. She emphasized that these credits will be issued only after rigorous monitoring, validation, and proof of measurable outcomes, ensuring integrity and real-world impact.

The credits are named after the cassowary, a flightless bird considered a keystone species in the Wet Tropics rainforest. Known for its role in seed dispersal, the cassowary symbolizes the region’s rich biodiversity, which includes over half of Australia’s bird species and more than 700 vertebrate species.

Why the Wet Tropics Matter

The Wet Tropics of Queensland is believed to be the oldest continuously surviving rainforest in the world. It’s one of the few places globally where two UNESCO World Heritage areas—the Wet Tropics Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef—exist side by side.

This unique ecosystem is under threat from climate change, increased cyclone intensity, invasive species, and land clearing. Local species extinction, including some cassowary subspecies, highlights the urgent need for proactive restoration.

How the Cassowary Credit Scheme Works

The first approved methodology under this scheme is the Rainforest Replanting Methodology, which supports the planting of native trees and direct seeding on degraded lands. According to Amy Bassett, Eco-Markets’ Program Director, this strategy is designed “to increase the current extent of rainforest through systematic replanting efforts.”

All projects must meet stringent criteria and demonstrate tangible ecological benefits beyond the baseline. These include greater density and diversity of native flora and the restoration of natural ecosystem functions.

Unlocking Economic Potential Through Credit Stacking

Perhaps the most groundbreaking feature of the program is the ability to stack Cassowary Credits with Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs). This is the first time in Australia that biodiversity and carbon credits can be issued concurrently on the same parcel of land, creating multiple revenue streams for landowners.

“This makes it really attractive from a commercial point of view,” said Adshead. “Separate income streams, separate trigger points, but all on the same piece of land.”

Still, stacking has raised concerns around double counting. To address this, Eco-Markets has worked closely with regulators to ensure biodiversity outcomes are additional—meaning they exceed the benefits of carbon projects alone.

“Outcomes from the ACCU project cannot be double counted,” explained Bassett. “There must be a counterfactual deduction to isolate biodiversity-specific benefits.”

The Cassowary Coast Regional Council is the first entity to register a stacking project under this framework, signaling strong early adoption and potential scalability.

Indigenous Involvement at the Core

Another key feature is the incorporation of Indigenous knowledge and labor. Terrain NRM, the nonprofit that developed the Cassowary Credit framework, mandates the use of “regional-approved operators,” with a preference for Aboriginal rainforest suppliers.

“This is the first time we’ve seen active participation from Indigenous stewards in such a market,” said Adshead. “They’re applying traditional knowledge to improve seedling success, which is a vital part of ensuring long-term restoration.”

Bronwyn Robinson, Project Coordinator at Terrain NRM, highlighted the socio-economic benefits for regional communities. “It’s a critical component to ensure that local people benefit from the projects,” she added.

A Model for Scalable Global Impact

With climate change and biodiversity loss accelerating, scalable solutions like the Cassowary Credit Scheme offer a blueprint for other regions. The success of this model could inspire similar programs in Amazonia, Southeast Asia, and Central Africa, all of which face intense pressure on their rainforests.

“We need everybody on board,” said Adshead. “If stacking creates more demand and participation, then we’ve done our bit to halt nature loss.”

Beyond financial incentives, the program underscores a deeper philosophical shift: viewing nature restoration not as charity but as a service—one with quantifiable metrics, economic value, and long-term returns for the planet and people.

As the first biodiversity project gains traction, Eco-Markets Australia aims to expand the program to include other methodologies, more ecosystems, and broader participation from the private and public sectors.

“This is just the beginning,” concluded Adshead. “With strong science, rigorous verification, and community involvement, we can scale up nature-positive outcomes and leave a healthier planet for future generations.”