The UK has introduced the world’s first government-backed Nature Finance Standard, aimed at increasing integrity, transparency, and investor confidence in environmental restoration projects. Released by the British Standards Institution (BSI), the new Overarching Principles Standard (BSI Flex 701) will guide green investments to ensure measurable, verifiable environmental benefits—such as restoring wetlands, improving water quality, and enhancing flood resilience. 

This milestone aligns with the UK’s ambitions to lead in green finance and establish itself as a global hub for sustainable investment. Environment Secretary Steve Reed emphasized that the standard is critical to combating greenwashing and giving businesses clear guidelines to ensure their investments genuinely support nature and climate recovery. 

The Green Finance Institute warns that ignoring nature-related risks could cost up to 6% of global GDP, underscoring the urgent need for credible and consistent frameworks. BSI’s new standard forms the backbone of the Nature Investment Standards (NIS) Programme, designed to support the UK’s carbon neutral strategy and ESG leadership. 

Devolved government leaders in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland have endorsed the framework. Welsh Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies called it “crucial” for responsible investment in nature. Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary Mairi Gougeon praised its role in defining market integrity, while Northern Ireland’s Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir emphasized the opportunity for large-scale nature restoration. 

The new standard is available immediately and will support nature-based investment across corporate, governmental, and private sectors. BSI is also developing a Natural Carbon Standard, expected to further enhance the UK’s nature-based carbon credit market and support the national net-zero target. 

As ESG regulations tighten globally, this landmark initiative positions the UK at the forefront of sustainable finance, providing businesses and investors with the tools needed to align profitability with environmental responsibility. 

Sources : 

https://esgnews.com/uk-launches-world-first-nature-finance-standard-to-guide-green-investment/ 

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-world-leading-nature-finance-standards-launched-to-encourage-green-investment 

https://www.environmental-finance.com/content/news/uk-government-releases-world-leading-nature-finance-standards.html