You can download a DRM-free copy of this standard here.

What is the overarching principles standard for nature markets about?

Nature is central to our wellbeing and economy, with nature-based solutions pivotal for biodiversity, net zero, and other environmental outcomes. Nature markets offer a pathway to increased financing for scaling environmental improvements but rely on integrity to underpin confidence.

The Nature markets – Overarching principles and framework – Specification, also called Flex 701 v2.0, is intended to provide consistency and rigour for high-integrity UK nature markets that trade in real, measurable environmental benefits. It has been updated to reflect industry feedback on the previous iteration of the standard and is ready for market adoption.

What does the standard cover?

The overarching principles standard sets out essential requirements for the design and operation of UK nature markets, covering processes to generate, trade, and store nature credits.

Who is it for?

This standard is valuable for all organizations that are involved or interested in UK nature markets including:

• market participants;
• market intermediaries, including codes, schemes and crediting programmes;
• registries; and
• other stakeholders in nature markets or in the environmental outcomes of trading nature credits.

Download a free copy of the standard here.

What are your views?

To help the market to apply the principles, it would be much appreciated if you could please share your feedback on the use and adoption of this standard via the Nature Investment Standards Hub.

Have your say >

This standard is part of the Nature Investment Standards Programme, funded by Defra, and developed by BSI working together with the devolved administrations and industry. You can get further insights, and get involved in related discussions, through the Nature Investment Standards (NIS) Hub.