The BDSU methodology presents an approach to quantifying the biodiversity of an area based on measures of species richness, which in turn are used to develop corresponding scores for biodiversity ‘intactness.’ Together with the size of the forests involved, these scores will determine the number of Biodiversity Stewardship Units (BDSUs) that a project can ultimately issue. Communities can subsequently sell BDSUs to earn revenue for conserving biodiversity and the various ecosystem services they provide. BDSUs are designed to drive funding directly to IP&LCs who have successfully maintained highly intact ecosystems. While market-based mechanisms, such as REDD+, have created unprecedented levels of finance for Indigenous Peoples and Forest Communities, existing market-based finance for biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation does not incentivize the protection of intact ecosystems. BDSUs acknowledge the value of intact ecosystems and create a benchmark of ecological integrity. With a USD 700 billion dollar finance gap in achieving international conservation goals by 2030, BDSUs offer a way for corporations to invest in nature, while simultaneously supporting several key goals and targets set by the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
JUST LAUNCHED: Ahead of #COP16 next week, the Indigenous grassroots organization Associação Sociocultural Yawanawá, along with Wildlife Works & Forest Trends, introduce a pioneering methodology to deliver Indigenous-centered conservation finance: https://lnkd.in/ephZHUGG The methodology for these Biodiversity Stewardship Units was co-designed with Indigenous peoples, and funding will go directly to the forest stewards of critical landscapes & biodiversity in the face of constant threats. Beto Borges Debora Souza Batista Melissa Panhol Bayma Marcio Halla Nicia Coutinho Tatiana Tareto Tintino