Biodiversity projects in Europe
From peatland restoration to woodland creation: biodiversity projects protect native ecosystems and create habitats for endangered species.
Get in touchWhy regional nature conservation matters
Natural ecosystems are the foundation of life: they regulate the climate, filter water, protect soil from erosion and provide habitat for countless species. Yet many of these systems are under pressure. Soil sealing, intensive land use and the effects of climate change are increasingly degrading landscapes across the continent. Regional nature conservation in Europe addresses this directly, strengthening local ecosystems, building their resilience and supporting biodiversity where it matters most.
1% of forests
in Europe die every year (EEA, 2023). One in four trees shows moderate to severe damage.
Forest decline
60% of soils
in Europe are degraded (ESDAC). This reduces soil fertility and the ability to store water and sequester carbon.
Soil degradation
7% of EU emissions
come from degraded peatlands, which release carbon stored over thousands of years (IEEP, 2023).
Drained peatlands
25% of species
are considered threatened. Habitats are disappearing due to drainage, land sealing and agriculture (IUCN, 2025).
Biodiversity loss
Biodiversity projects in the ClimatePartner portfolio
ClimatePartner offers a wide range of biodiversity projects across Europe, from alpine ecosystem restoration and woodland creation to river restoration. The most important project types include:
Woodland creation and forest conversion
Only around one in five trees in Europe is still considered healthy. Native forests are under increasing pressure from drought, pest infestations and extreme weather events. In close collaboration with forestry experts, we select suitable native tree species that are better equipped to withstand the effects of climate change. Forest projects in Germany and across Europe create resilient mixed forests that store carbon, filter water and provide habitat for a wide range of species.
Peatland restoration
More than 90% of natural peatlands in Germany have been destroyed. Drained peatlands release carbon that has been stored in peat for thousands of years. Rewetting reduces these emissions while creating valuable habitats for endangered species.
River and spring restoration
Straightening, drainage and intensive agriculture have significantly altered many natural water courses. Restoration projects reverse these interventions, create wetland habitats and improve water quality to the benefit of amphibians, insects, fish and specialised plant species.
Swamp forest restoration
Swamp forests are among the most species-rich yet most threatened habitats in Central Europe. Their waterlogged soils store large amounts of carbon and cool the local microclimate. Restoration measures remove non-native tree species, promote native species, and retain deadwood as habitat for insects, birds and fungi.
Humus formation through regenerative agriculture
Healthy soils are the foundation for clean groundwater, biodiversity and food production. In humus-formation projects, farmers use regenerative practices to build up organic matter and store CO₂ in the soil over the long term. Humus levels are regularly measured and documented.
Alpine ecosystem restoration
The Ammergau Alps and Karwendel Nature Park are among the most biodiverse regions in Europe, yet their diversity is under threat. Targeted conservation measures protect biodiversity: peatlands are rewetted, mountain meadows maintained and ponds restored.
Guide: Protecting nature, promoting biodiversity
Our guide to biodiversity projects in Europe covers each project type in detail and provides project recommendations for your company.
Download nowHow can companies support biodiversity projects?
Standalone biodiversity projects
Companies can support biodiversity projects through direct financial contributions. These projects do not typically generate verified emission reductions (VERs), but they deliver a measurable contribution to protecting native ecosystems and biodiversity. They support the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), often directly in your home country.
Regional nature conservation
Combined projects
Companies that support a combined project contribute to two projects at the same time: a certified climate project and a local biodiversity project. For every tonne of CO₂ demonstrably reduced by the certified climate project, a regional biodiversity project in Europe is supported. This way, companies combine global climate action with local impact.
Regional nature conservation + international climate action
The benefits of your commitment
Twice the impact | By supporting a combined project, your company takes action for both global climate action and regional nature conservation. |
Making it tangible | Where possible, we offer project visits, for example tree planting events where employees or partners can get involved directly. |
Strong partners | We work with experienced nature conservation organisations, including Karwendel Nature Park. |
SDG contribution | Biodiversity projects contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, ideally right in your home country. |