In a groundbreaking development for European conservation efforts, the Transylvanian village of Apold in Romania has become the first place on the continent to implement a biodiversity credit scheme. This innovative initiative, driven by the NGO ADEPT Foundation, compensates local farmers for preserving their traditional, biodiversity-rich landscapes rather than converting them into more intensive farming practices.
Close-up of three blue butterflies flying over traditional farmlands in Apold, Romania. AI generated picture.
Romania, known for having the highest farmland biodiversity in Europe, has long been a leader in grassland conservation. Now, with this new scheme, the country is at the forefront of environmental preservation. The concept is simple yet powerful: farmers are paid to maintain their land using traditional methods that support diverse ecosystems, including flower-rich pastures and hay meadows. These practices prevent the loss of species that would otherwise be endangered by more intensive farming methods.
The biodiversity credit system assigns a financial value to the conservation efforts of these farmers, creating a market for biodiversity similar to existing carbon credit systems. Corporations and other entities can purchase these credits, providing a new revenue stream for small-scale farmers who have historically been underfunded and underappreciated.
Read more: Leading German companies: their carbon footprints and reporting practices
The village of Apold, part of the larger Sighisoara-Tarnava Mare area, is a Natura 2000 site, recognised by the EU for its biodiversity importance. The region is home to a mosaic of habitats, including deciduous forests, hay meadows, and traditional farmlands, which are teeming with wildlife like blue butterflies, dung beetles, and lesser spotted eagles. This abundance of nature attracted the attention of King Charles III in the late 1990s, who envisioned a sustainable future for the area—a vision now being realised through the ADEPT project.
Apold’s participation in this pilot project is a significant step for Romania, where agriculture plays a vital role in the economy. The scheme offers a lifeline to small farmers, many of whom operate on less than a hectare of land. By financially incentivising conservation, the initiative helps protect Romania’s rich natural heritage and supports the country’s rural communities.
Read more: New mapping tool simplifies biodiversity reporting for global companies
This initiative also has broader implications for Europe, where the concept of biodiversity credits is still relatively new. Although countries like the UK and France have announced plans to launch similar initiatives, Apold’s project is the first to be fully implemented. With 400,000 carbon credits and 420,000 biodiversity credits available at launch, priced at €25 and $18 respectively, the scheme is set to inject significant funds into the local economy while preserving the region’s unique landscapes.
For Romanian farmers, this pioneering project not only offers financial security but also ensures the preservation of their cultural and natural heritage. As biodiversity credits gain traction, they could become a vital tool in the global effort to reverse environmental decline, providing much-needed funding for conservation efforts worldwide.
The success of this project could pave the way for similar schemes across Europe, offering a model for how agriculture and conservation can work together to benefit both the environment and local communities. As the world grapples with biodiversity loss and environmental degradation, initiatives like the one in Apold could provide a crucial blueprint for sustainable development.
DGB Group’s carbon projects are designed with a strong emphasis on nature conservation and enhancing biodiversity through nature-based solutions. Our initiatives empower companies to not only reduce their carbon footprints but also make a meaningful impact on the environment. At DGB, our approach to carbon compensation goes beyond simple offsetting; we focus on high-quality projects that actively boost biodiversity, restore vital ecosystems, and support local communities. By prioritising biodiversity, and through our biodiversity credits, we help to strengthen the resilience and health of natural habitats.
Discover how you can support biodiversity with DGB
