This session explored Biodiversity as a Catalyst for Circular Economy: The Role of Biodiversity Credits, in accordance with COP16 commitments and global sustainability goals. Experts discussed how these mechanisms improve ecosystems, incentivise regeneration, enhance resource efficiency and drive nature-positive outcomes. 

Together, let's shape a future where economy and ecological balance go hand in hand!

Co-organisers: European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform (ECESP), International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), European Commission Directorate-General for the Environment (DG ENV).

This webinar was an accelerator session at the World Circular Economy Forum 2025. On social media, you can follow the event with #WCEF2025.

Programme

Moderator: Luca Polidori, HCH

Opening remarks (IUCN)

Part 1: Setting the Scene - providing an overview of biodiversity credits, policy developments, and global perspectives.

• Florian Claeys, Policy Officer, DG ENV- European Commission – Policy outlook on biodiversity credits
• Arnaud Schwartz, EESC member – The role of civil society in shaping biodiversity credit frameworks
• Jane Feehan, Senior Environmental Adviser at the European Investment Bank 

Part 2: Civil Society Perspectives - exploring the practical challenges and opportunities for biodiversity credits from key stakeholders.

• Opportunities and challenges for small-scale farmers - Niall Curley, Senior Policy Advisor for Copa-Cogeca
• Opportunities and challenges from NGOs' perspectives - Siim Kuresoo, European Forest Campaigner
• Forest perspective - Christina Laßnig-Wlad, Austrian Federal Forests (ÖBf)
• The youth perspective: Heitor Dellasta, Policy co-lead at GYBN (GYBN)

Closing remarks and next steps (Arnaud Schwartz, EESC member)

This online workshop took place on 15 May.