Why Nature Credits Matter – With Brian MacSharry, European Environment Agency

Unpacking how nature credits could reshape the way we value biodiversity and fund its restoration with Dr. Brian MacSharry of the European Environment Agency

In this episode of Constructive Voices, Jackie De Burca interviews Dr. Brian MacSharry from the European Environment Agency to discuss the concept of nature credits, their significance in the context of biodiversity, and how they differ from carbon credits.

Brian shares insights from his extensive career in environmental policy, emphasising the importance of recognising the role of biodiversity in our economy and society.

The conversation explores the challenges of measuring biodiversity, the roadmap for implementing nature credits, and the potential for incentivising private sector involvement in conservation efforts. Brian concludes with actionable steps for individuals and businesses to support biodiversity.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode With Dr. Brian MacSharry:

• The difference between carbon credits and nature credits, and why biodiversity is harder to measure.

• How businesses and economies are far more dependent on nature than most people realise.

• Why the European Union’s roadmap for nature credits is both ambitious and full of open questions.

• How pilot projects across Europe are already testing new models of valuing biodiversity.

• Practical ways individuals, businesses, and policymakers can support biodiversity today.

Important Takeaways

• Nature credits are a new concept in environmental policy.
• Biodiversity is crucial for economic stability and growth.
• Measuring biodiversity is more complex than measuring carbon.
• Nature credits aim to provide financial incentives for conservation.
• The European Union is developing a roadmap for nature credits.
• Public and private funding must work together for biodiversity.
• Nature credits should not replace existing environmental regulations.
• Consumer choices can influence corporate behavior towards sustainability.
• Education and awareness about biodiversity are essential.
• Collaboration across sectors is key to successful biodiversity initiatives.

Why Listen?

If you want to understand one of the most important and timely debates in environmental policy, and hear directly from someone helping to shape it at the European level, this episode is for you.

Whether you’re a policymaker, a business leader, or simply curious about how nature and the economy are intertwined, this conversation will leave you better informed and inspired to act.

Brian also brings the discussion down to earth with everyday examples — from porridge oats to chocolate bars — showing how biodiversity underpins so much of what we take for granted. His insights make it clear: putting nature on the balance sheet isn’t just an environmental issue, it’s an economic and cultural one too.

About Dr Brian MacSharry

Dr Brian MacSharry works as an Expert in Biodiversity at the European Environment Agency in Copenhagen.

With over two decades of experience, Brian has dedicated his career to conservation efforts, working at various levels from the Irish Government to international platforms.

After an initial five-year stint with the Irish government, Brian transitioned to roles focused on gathering and evaluating data related to habitat and species conservation within the EU, as well as the management of protected areas across Europe.

Following this, Brian assumed leadership of a team at UNEP-WCMC, overseeing global progress toward Biodiversity Targets, specifically in relation to protected areas.

Since 2018, Brian has been at the European Environment Agency, working in a variety of roles leading and supporting work on EU and Global Biodiversity policies.

Brian has a extensive experience in protected areas, nature restoration, assessments of the state of nature and mainstreaming nature into the wider society.