Habitat Banks are a mechanism that has been successfully implemented in several countries, streamlining environmental compensation processes while simultaneously enhancing compliance, control, and oversight by environmental authorities. Furthermore, Habitat Banks provide a valuable opportunity for countries to develop environmental public policy instruments that can be leveraged for rural development and the protection of natural resources.

This compensation mechanism is designed to offset negative impacts on biodiversity through the implementation of actions aimed at preserving, improving, and restoring ecosystems. By operating under a results-based payment structure, it stimulates a local economy that attracts investment, promotes employment, increases productivity in rural areas, and improves the efficiency and quality of environmental compensation.

Terrasos is pleased to announce the launch of its new Accelerated Habitat Banking program. This innovative strategy is designed to provide support to owners, organizations, and companies interested in registering, financing, and operating conservation projects in Colombia that wish to become Habitat Banks.

For Mariana Sarmiento, CEO of Terrasos, Habitat Banks represent a business model that combines biodiversity conservation with the mediation of environmental compensation obligations and commitments. This allows companies and individuals to achieve carbon neutrality, contribute to positive environmental outcomes, and align with international environmental policy agendas.

This mechanism aims to facilitate the development of a Biodiversity Credit market, a business model in Colombia designed to support biodiversity conservation. It provides a structured and operational framework for environmental investments in the country.

The objective of this accelerator is to involve additional stakeholders in the business model in Colombia. Private sector investment is crucial for the creation of more sustainable economic ecosystems in terms of economy, time, and environmental conservation.

Terrasos has the backing of the IDB and the British government's Partnership for Forests program to reach its objective of five thousand hectares designated for the establishment of Habitat Banks in Colombia.

Please be advised of the eligibility criteria for applying to your conservation project.

• Location and Area: The project should be situated in a strategic ecosystem and be of a substantial size to guarantee significant biodiversity conservation impacts.

• Credibility and Good Reputation of the Proposer: We will support proposers who have a demonstrated commitment to biodiversity conservation and a background in leading local conservation initiatives.

• Environmental and Social Risk Management: The project shall demonstrate capacity to manage environmental and social risks arising from or associated with the project.

• Additionality: We will support projects that create supplementary contributions to biodiversity conservation.