Guidelines to identify and quantify biodiversity co‐benefits of carbon plantings

Abstract Carbon plantings are a vital contribution to mitigate climate change. While plantings are primarily done for carbon sequestration, there is potential for biodiversity co‐benefits, particularly when plantings mirror the local reference ecosystem and comprise a mix of native species with a variety of functional traits. With the continued rise of carbon plantings globally, the potential for biodiversity co‐benefits also increases. Biodiversity co‐benefits are relevant to emerging biodiversity markets, new restoration laws in Europe and global aspirational goals for a Nature Positive future. Uncertainty among proponents is prevalent because measuring biodiversity co‐benefits is more complex than measuring carbon sequestration. While there are standardised methodologies for measuring carbon sequestration, there is little guidance for practitioners on how to identify and quantify biodiversity co‐benefits. Here, we present practical guidelines, informed by a real‐world case study, for identifying potential biodiversity values and their subsequent quantification in biodiverse carbon plantings. Key elements include desktop analyses to identify the landscape and ecosystem context, including threatened ecosystems and species, and threatening processes. We provide guidance on monitoring approaches for key abiotic and biotic ecosystem characteristics at baseline and reference states. Practical implications . These guidelines allow integration of measured biodiversity outcomes with existing frameworks such as Natural Capital Accounting standards and Nature‐related Financial Disclosure frameworks. These are increasingly implemented by businesses worldwide to assess and report their nature‐related impacts, dependencies and risks. Together, these frameworks are necessary to ensure that corporations' financial investments in a Nature Positive future result in a net benefit for native ecosystems and people.