Evaluation of the Finnish biodiversity offsetting system and its applicability in nature credit markets

Time: 18 March 2026, 9:00-12:00

Place: Socnk Hall, Sofiankatu 4 C, Helsinki, Finland (limited capacity) & live stream

Language: English

Registration: https://www.lyyti.in/biodiversity_offsetting_evaluation  

As part of the reform of the Finnish Nature Conservation Act in 2023, a new chapter on voluntary biodiversity offsetting and its application in Finland was introduced. The Finnish policy framework has attracted international interest due to its high level of ambition in addressing many of the criticisms directed at offsetting systems worldwide. It is now time to assess how the Finnish offsetting system aligns with the general international principles of biodiversity offsetting and whether the metrics, rules and methods of the scheme could be expanded to nature credit markets more broadly. What are its strengths and weaknesses – and, importantly, what lessons can the EU draw from the Finnish experience? 

To provide an objective perspective, the Finnish Ministry of the Environment, together with the BOOST research consortium, have invited Dr. Sophus zu Ermgassen (University of Oxford) to conduct the assessment. The results will be presented at a public event on 18 March 2026 in Helsinki (Sonck Hall, Sofiankatu 4 C) and via live stream. To set the stage for discussion, the event will include an overview of the Finnish legal framework, scientific basis, and will conclude with a panel discussion on the current state of play and the steps needed going forward. 

Program (more detailed program will be available closer to the event)

9.00 Opening words (Tarja Haaranen, Ministry of the Environment)

9.10 Overview of the Finnish System (Ministry of the Environment & BOOST)

10.00 Evaluation (Sophus zu Ermgassen, University of Oxford) 

  • General principles of the credit market from international perspective
  • Pros and cons of the Finnish system in comparison
  • Questions & Answers

11.10 Panel discussion: Where are we now and what should we do next?

12.00 Conclusions and closing the event

 

BOOST (2021-2027) – Biodiversity Offsetting as an Operational Tool for a Just Sustainability Transition Towards No Net Loss of Ecosystems and Biodiversity – facilitates the mainstreaming and enabling of a just transition toward the adoption of biodiversity offsets in Finland and globally. The research project is funded by the Strategic Research Council of Finland.