International Event to Advance Nature Credit Markets and Agri-Environmental Innovations

Nature credit markets are rapidly emerging across the European Union as a complementary mechanism to public funding. These markets aim to incentivise investments in biodiversity, ecosystem restoration and sustainable land use. At the same time, environmental innovations in agriculture are accelerating, driven by key policy frameworks such as the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), the European Green Deal and Horizon Europe.

Together, these developments are opening up new opportunities for farmers, land managers, businesses and public actors to collaborate, generate measurable environmental benefits and develop scalable solutions to improve environmental conditions.

Focus on European cooperation and practical solutions

The two-day event will provide a platform for discussing both policy developments and practical implementation. The programme includes thematic seminar sessions, international project showcases, a brokerage and networking session, and a study visit.

The afternoon seminar on 17 November will focus on European frameworks for nature credit markets, including a keynote presentation on the EU Nature Credits Roadmap. The session will also explore national perspectives, including developments in Finland, as well as practical pathways to implementing nature credit markets through case examples from different countries.

A second seminar session will address strengthening cooperation between EU instruments such as CAP and Horizon Europe. Presentations will highlight the role of EIP‑AGRI Operational Groups in driving environmental innovation, alongside examples from Horizon Europe projects, including initiatives focused on improving ecological status and restoring nature.

The first day concludes with a facilitated brokerage and networking session aimed at fostering new partnerships, international collaboration and future project development.

Field visit and networking opportunities

On 18 November, participants will have the opportunity to take part in a study visit showcasing practical examples of innovation in real landscapes. The visit will include an EIP‑AGRI project site and a nature value site demonstrating assessment, monitoring or restoration work. The aim is to provide hands-on insight into how innovative approaches are applied in practice and how cross-border cooperation enhances environmental outcomes.

The second day also includes time for bilateral meetings and project discussions. In addition, participants are invited to join the Networking Fair organised as part of the Finnish Seminar on Agri-Environmental Knowledge. At the Networking Fair a versatile setting of environmental knowledge is presented including national and international projects and cross-border initiatives.

Target audience and registration

The event is aimed at experts, practitioners, project partners, and policymakers throughout Europe interested in nature value markets, agri-environmental knowledge and sustainable agriculture.
The event is free of charge, but the participants are expected to cover their own travel and accommodation costs. Please contact your organization’s representative or your project coordinator to inquire about the possibility of reimbursement for travel expenses.

Registration is open until 30 October 2026 via the event website: https://app.eventos.fi/MYV2026/website/nature-credit-and-agri-environmental-innovations-2026

More information and the preliminary programme are available at the event page: https://maaseutuverkosto.fi/en/events/advancing-nature-credit-markets-and-agri-environmental-innovations-in-europe/

Organisers

The event is organised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Finland, the Ministry of the Environment of Finland, the National Climate Unit of the Economic Development Centres, Helsinki-Uusimaa Regional Council, and the National CAP Network of Finland.