Voluntary biodiversity credit markets are moving from design to early delivery, with buyers placing strong value on trust, location, project integrity and Indigenous-led design, according to a new report from Pollination Foundation and bloomlabs.

This report provides practical insights for all stakeholders engaged in voluntary biodiversity credit markets. It is based on a survey of 52 market actors, including project developers, scheme and standard administrators, marketplaces, platforms, investors and other stakeholders, complemented by bloomlabs market intelligence and transaction analysis.

The Voluntary Biodiversity Credit Markets Report 2026 finds a market that is becoming more active and diverse and identifies practical steps that could help convert buyer interest into repeat purchases. It examines what drives purchasing decisions, how Indigenous Peoples and local communities are participating in market governance, and identifies the next integrity horizon. 

Our analysis shows that buyers are motivated less by price than by confidence, credibility and connection to place. Location and proximity to operations, verification, standards and Indigenous-led design all ranked above cost in reported purchasing decisions.  

A major focus of the report is the role of Indigenous Peoples and local communities in biodiversity credit markets. It finds that revenue sharing, equity participation and co-governance are becoming more visible, while ongoing Free, Prior and Informed Consent processes, Indigenous data sovereignty and long-term finance models for stewardship remain important areas for further development. 

“The report shows a shift from asking if Indigenous Peoples and local communities are involved, to asking who holds consent, control, data custody, compensation, and long-term stewardship rights. That is where market integrity will be tested next,” said Jane Hutchinson, co-CEO of Pollination Foundation.

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