Biosphere Credit Standard™ (BCS™)

The Standard's Goal System

• Preservation of biosphere ecological integrity
• Biodiversity protection and habitat reconstruction
• Monitoring of ecosystem services
• Carbon sequestration and compatibility with carbon markets
• ESG compliance and alignment with CSRD/ESRS reporting

The Biosphere Credit Standard™ (BCS™) aims to provide a credible, auditable, and scientifically grounded system for evaluating projects that contribute to restoring and protecting the biosphere's condition. The credit system recognizes biological diversity preservation, carbon dioxide sequestration enhancement, and maintaining ecosystem integrity.

Key Dimensions and Evaluation Areas

The Biosphere Credit Standard™ (BCS™) evaluation system is structured along four main dimensions, which together ensure a comprehensive approach to biosphere integrity. These dimensions holistically assess environmental, ecological, and social impacts, enabling well-founded, transparent, and goal-oriented credit issuance.

• ✓ Biodiversity (species and ecological diversity)
  • Goal: Preservation, restoration, and functional strengthening of biological diversity
  • Key indicators and methods:
    • Species richness indices: Application of Shannon and Simpson indices to quantify ecological variability
    • Presence of endemic species: Documentation of rare species found exclusively in local ecosystems
    • Regeneration of threatened species: Based on IUCN Red List status, examining recovery trends and population dynamics
    • Ecological network role: Supporting keystone species like pollinators, predators, or ecosystem engineers (e.g., beavers, ants)


• ✓ Carbon dioxide sequestration and climate protection
  • Goal: Supporting the natural carbon cycle and mitigating global climate change
  • Key indicators and methods:
    • Soil organic matter content (SOM): Laboratory tests, updated annually
    • Net CO₂ sequestration: Project-level calculation in t CO₂e/ha/year units with validated methodology
    • Land use change analysis: Based on satellite images, LULC data, and scenarios (BAU vs. project)


• ✓ Ecosystem integrity
  • Goal: Maintaining or improving ecosystem services and system-level stability
  • Key indicators and methods:
    • Restoration of ecological corridors: Landscape-scale connections (e.g., habitat corridors, green infrastructure)
    • Resilience to natural disturbances: Flood mitigation, erosion reduction, microclimate stability
    • Functional diversity: Soil biological activity, root zone density, mycorrhizal habitats, etc.


• ✓ Local community benefits and social acceptance
  • Goal: Embedding nature conservation and climate protection activities into local community structures, economies, and cultures
  • Key indicators and methods:
    • Involvement of indigenous and local communities: Decision-making, knowledge transfer, consideration of traditional land use rights
    • Food and water security: Projects' contribution to local food supply and water provision
    • Job creation and education: Environmental education programs, eco-tourism, local training
    • Social impact assessment: Regular participatory evaluation of community impacts

Data Collection and Monitoring Methods

• ✓ Field biodiversity monitoring
  • Drone surveys
  • Live traps
  • Camera traps
  • Soil DNA analysis


• ✓ Soil sampling and laboratory analysis
  • Organic matter
  • pH
  • Microbiology (microbiome, enzyme activity)


• ✓ Remote sensing and satellite observation
  • NDVI (vegetation index)
  • Biomass
  • Carbon index, LUC change


• ✓ Community knowledge recording
  • Interviews
  • Participatory mapping
  • Collection of local indicators

Credit Generation and Evaluation Model

• Basic model: Reference-based improvement per hectare-year unit
  • The BCS™ system's basic element is improvement measured in "hectare-year" dimensions relative to a reference state
  • For each evaluation area, we determine a baseline (starting) state
  • We monitor improvement annually
• Unit of measurement

  • The basic unit of biosphere credits: BC™ (Biosphere Credit™)
  • 1 BC™ = achieving a defined improvement score on 1 hectare in 1 year

  
• Credit value multipliers
  • The credit quantity can be adjusted with thematic multipliers beyond the base score
• Species conservation multiplier
  • "Less threatened" = x1.1
  • "Endangered" (e.g., IUCN EN) = x1.3
  • "Critically endangered" (IUCN CR) = x1.5
• Carbon dioxide sequestration multiplier
  • x1.2 for every net sequestration above 1 ton CO₂e
  • Unit: t CO₂e/ha/year
  • The first ton CO₂e doesn't increase the multiplier, only the excess above it
• Social utility multiplier
  • Low impact (0–1 point) = x1.0
  • Medium impact (2–3 points) = x1.1
  • High impact (4–5 points) = x1.2
  • Measurement: through community interviews, participatory mapping
• Example:
  • A project on 1 hectare:
  • Base score: 3 (e.g., carbon sequestration + species conservation + social acceptance)
  • Multipliers: x1.5 (critically endangered species), x1.2 (2 t CO₂e/ha/year), x1.2 (strong community benefit)
  • Credit quantity: 3 x 1.5 x 1.2 x 1.2 = 6.48 BC/hectare/year

Verification and Auditing System Description in the BCS™ Framework

The BCS™ aims to ensure full transparency, credibility, and international compatibility. Project validation and continuous auditing are performed by independent verification bodies (VVB) that comply with international standards.

• Compliance with international systems
  • Goal: ensure the system's alignment with major global environmental, social, and market frameworks

  • System	Connection to BCS™ system
    IPBES (Biodiversity Expert Panel)	Biodiversity indicators (e.g., endemic species) align with IPBES recommendations.
    IUCN Red List	Threatened species status is weighted based on this list (e.g., CR = weighting multiplier x1.5).
    CBD (UN Convention on Biological Diversity)	Project objectives aligned with Aichi/CBD goals and 2030 Kunming-Montreal framework.
    IPCC	Carbon sequestration calculation based on IPCC guidelines (AFOLU guide, 2019).
    LDN (Land Degradation Neutrality)	BCS projects strive for at least neutral land degradation balance.
    TNFD, SBTN	Nature-based risk and target systems (can later be linked to corporate reports).
    VCM compatibility	BCS credits don't exclude double accounting in VCM (Verra, Gold Standard, etc.) if technical and legal compatibility exists.
    CSRD / ESRS	Elements of certified annual report templates align with ESRS E1–E4 environmental reporting requirements.



• Education, capacity building
  • Goal: prepare participants in the system for high-quality implementation
  • BCS™ certified project developer training:
    • Education modules: ecosystem restoration, indicator calculation, data collection
    • Certified and registered professionals
  • Validator-auditor training:
    • Separate module for auditing, LUC scenario analysis, NDVI processing
  • Professional partner network:
    • Accredited universities, conservation organizations, research institutes


• BCS™ Registry – Digital records
  • Goal: guarantee project and credit transparency for the public

  • Function	Description
    Project registration	All project metadata (target area, timeframe, target indicators) are digitally recorded.
    Tracking	Project status, audit results, credit quantity are updated.
    Tokenization option	Optionally, credits can be traded as NFT-based tokens.
    Community module	Credit marketplace, map search, transparent buyer and seller profiles.



• Risk management and anti-duplication protection
  • Goal: avoid overcounting, fraud, and ensure long-term ecological integrity
  • Buffer pool:
    • 5–20% of each project's credit value is automatically locked
  • Project identification and geo-reference:
    • Precise coordinates, integrated into GIS system (GeoJSON, shapefile)
  • Anti-duplication protection:
    • Cross-checking with VCM systems, verification during preliminary audit
  • Third-party verification:
    • At least two organizations perform verification: professional and social


• Annual on-site audit and monitoring obligation
  • Minimum requirement: one comprehensive monitoring cycle annually with the following methods:

  • Method	Description	Unit / format
    Remote sensing	NDVI, LIDAR, Sentinel, drone	NDVI index (0–1), biomass (t/ha)
    On-site survey	Habitat survey, pollinator counting	Shannon index, species count
    Soil analysis	Sampling, C-content, biological activity	g C/kg soil, pH, enzyme activity
    Carbon modeling	IPCC-based estimation	t CO₂e/year/ha



• Annual report and communication

  • Content	Requirement
    Data	Raw and processed project indicators, compared to baseline
    Interpretation	Improvement rate, trends, risk interpretation
    Format	Structured pdf report + public project page
    Stakeholder review	Local communities' annual review opportunity



• Certification organizations

  • Role	Requirement
    Accredited validator	Organization with national or international conservation/ecological accreditation
    Social audit	Involvement of civil, community or local indigenous organizations, right to opinion formation

Project Categories

• Natural Restoration
  • Projects aimed at restoring ecological functions of degraded ecosystems, reviving habitats, and supporting natural succession processes.
  • Reforestation, afforestation
    • Replanting previously forested areas with native species.
    • Projects avoid plantation forests and monocultures.
  • Wetland restoration
    • Restoration of marshes, bogs, floodplains and other water-related habitats.
    • These habitats are extremely important for biodiversity preservation, carbon storage and water retention.
  • Soil regeneration
    • Restoring soil biological activity, structure and organic matter content.
    • Goals include carbon sequestration, improved water management and strengthening ecosystem services.


• Conservation
  • Projects protecting existing but threatened natural ecosystems, aiming to ensure sustainability of natural processes.
  • Sustainable management of remaining natural areas
    • Protection and sustainable management of wilderness areas, native forests, steppes and other valuable biotopes.
    • Important aspects include cooperation with local communities and long-term financial sustainability.
  • Invasive species control
    • Reducing ecological balance-disrupting effects of non-native, rapidly spreading species.
    • Restoring natural species composition.


• Agroecological Practices
  • Sustainable and ecologically balanced cultivation of farmland where agricultural production doesn't exploit but regenerates the biosphere.
  • Regenerative agriculture
    Arable and grazing systems that promote soil carbon sequestration, increase biodiversity, reduce erosion and improve water retention. Avoids chemical use and replaces monoculture systems.
    • Promotes soil carbon sequestration and increases biodiversity.
    • Avoids chemical use and monocultures.
  • Agroforestry
    Agricultural systems where trees and crop cultivation or animal husbandry are integrated. Benefits: enhanced carbon sequestration, increased biodiversity, improved microclimate.
    • Integrated approach combining trees with crop/animal production.
    • Benefits: enhanced CO₂ sequestration, biodiversity increase.
  • Organic farming
    Support for traditional organic farming systems meeting certification criteria (e.g., EU Organic, IFOAM). Particularly important near protected areas.
    • Support for traditional organic farming systems.
    • Especially important near nature conservation areas.


• Population Growth Reduction and Human Rights Support Programs
  • The most undervalued yet most effective ecological intervention category. Aims to ensure reproductive rights, especially in developing countries where rapid population growth is the main driver of natural resource exploitation.
  • Quality Family Planning Carbon Standard (QFPC)
    A standard developed and maintained by BOCS Civilization Planning Foundation that indirectly reduces greenhouse gas emissions and protects the biosphere by ensuring access to family planning.
    • Goal: ensuring reproductive rights in developing countries.
    • Key elements:
      • Voluntary family planning programs
      • Education for women and girls
      • Culturally sensitive approach
      • Aims to ensure desired number of children, not external pressure
      • QFPC impacts measured by carbon, ecological and social indicators
      The QFPC system is crucial for the biosphere's long-term sustainability, as without population growth control, all conservation efforts face limitations.
    • More information: QFPC Standard


• Integration of Technological Innovations
  • Green technology solutions
    • Application of eco-friendly technologies in ecological restoration
    • Digital monitoring systems (AI, blockchain, IoT sensors)
    • Installation of alternative energy sources in protected areas


• Urban Ecological Programs
  • Urban biodiversity development
    • Green infrastructure development (green roofs, vertical gardens)
    • Creating ecological connections between urban forests and parks
    • Urban agriculture and community gardens


• Marine and Lake Ecosystems
  • Underwater ecosystem restoration
    • Coral reef regeneration
    • Marine habitat rehabilitation
    • Freshwater ecosystem protection


• Special Climate Protection Elements
  • Climate regeneration techniques
    • Direct air carbon dioxide removal (DAC)
    • Ocean permutating technologies
    • Soil carbon preservation strategies


• Cultural Ecology
  • Traditional ecological knowledge
    • Documentation of indigenous peoples' environmentally conscious practices
    • Application of traditional plant knowledge
    • Integration of cultural heritage and nature conservation


• Financial Innovations
  • Green financial mechanisms
    • Investment models for nature-based solutions
    • Funding opportunities for local communities
    • Environmental impact bonds


• Education and Awareness
  • Environmental education programs
    • School ecosystem education
    • Increasing community awareness
    • Practical training for local farmers


• Legal Frameworks and Standards
  • Legal support
    • Harmonization of local and international environmental laws
    • Project implementation guidelines
    • Protocols for handling conflicting interests


• Research and Development
  • Applied research programs
    • Location-specific ecological research
    • Testing innovative regeneration techniques
    • Long-term monitoring programs


• Community Participation
  • Civil participation mechanisms
    • Coordination of volunteer programs
    • Citizen science projects
    • Involving local interest groups

Credit Unit Dimensions in the BCS™ System

• Basic unit definition:
  • 1 BCS™ credit (basic unit of biosphere credits: BC™ (Biosphere Credit™)) = clearly defined ecological performance unit (e.g., 1 t CO₂eq sequestration + biodiversity index improvement + ecosystem function)
  1 BC™ (Biosphere Credit™) = A complex, multi-dimensional unit expressing the combined, validated and weighted value of the following components per hectare-year (ha/year):
• 
  • 1 ton CO₂eq carbon dioxide sequestration)
  • + Positive change in biodiversity index
  • + Improvement in ecosystem functions
  • + Soil condition improvement (e.g., humus)

Detailed Breakdown of Dimensions

1. Carbon Dioxide Sequestration

• Unit: ton CO₂eq / ha / year
• Measurement method:
  • Soil carbon sampling + model-based estimation (RothC, DayCent, etc.)
  • Atmospheric CO₂ balance models, biomass estimation (NDVI, LIDAR)
• Point value: Minimum required for 1 BC™ credit: 1.0 t CO₂eq/ha/year
• Weighting:
  • 1.0 t: x1.2 multiplier
  • <1.0 t: proportionally reduced value (e.g., 0.5 t = 0.5 points)

2. Biodiversity Index (BI)

• Indicator: Shannon-Wiener index or other validated biodiversity index
• Unit: change / ha / year (e.g., ΔH′)
• Measurement method:
  • Camera and live trap monitoring
  • Soil DNA analysis
  • Taxonomic diversity assessment
• Minimum requirement: at least 5% index increase within 3 years
• Weighting:
  • Appearance of protected or endangered species: x1.5 multiplier
  • Decrease in invasive species: +0.3 points

3. Soil Organic Matter Content

• Unit: % (of dry mass)
• Measurement method:
  • Laboratory analysis (Walkley-Black, LOI)
  • Annual sampling and comparative trend
• Minimum requirement: +0.2% increase / year or positive trend
• Weighting:
  • 0.2-0.5% increase: +0.5 points
  • 0.5% increase: +1 point
  • Rehabilitation of degraded soils: extra x1.3 multiplier

4. Ecosystem Service Index (ESI)

• Composite indicator: water retention, presence of pollinator species, ecosystem resilience
• Unit: Scaled point value (0-10 points), updated annually
• Measurement method:
  • System-level modeling (InVEST, ARIES)
  • Participatory monitoring
• Minimum requirement: at least 1 point increase / 3 years
• Weighting:
  • Return of wetland habitats or pollinators: +1.2 multiplier
  • Improved landscape connectivity: +0.8 points

Aggregated Evaluation Model

Annexes

Applicability of Modelled and Extrapolated Credits in the BCS Framework

The financial viability of carbon credits—especially in the case of small and medium-sized agricultural or ecological projects—fundamentally depends on how quickly, cost-effectively, and reliably the generation of credits can be demonstrated. The measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) systems applied by traditional carbon standards often come with high costs, long lead times, and significant administrative burdens. This can pose a major obstacle for projects with limited initial capital or a strong need for early returns.

The Biosphere Credit Standard™ (BCS™) provides a solution to these challenges by allowing assessment methods based on scientifically substantiated databases and meta-analyses. Within the BCS framework, modelled or extrapolated carbon sequestration values may be accepted if they are linked to clearly defined and documented practical interventions—such as the adoption of no-till practices, cover cropping, or other regenerative land use methods. The sequestration impacts of these practices can be estimated using internationally recognized and scientific tools (e.g., IPCC Guidelines, COMET-Planner, Cool Farm Tool, FAO EX-ACT), thereby significantly reducing the need for on-site measurements and related costs.

This approach is one of the key strengths of the BCS, enabling projects to generate credits and access revenues already in the early phases. As a result, it supports the financial sustainability of investments in carbon sequestration and ecological restoration.

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