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Since the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) aims to safeguard at least 30 % of the world's land and ocean by 2030, global initiatives to restore, maintain, and enhance ecosystems are intensifying to meet these targets. However, the extent to which ecological restoration activities will contribute to achieving the 30 × 30 biodiversity targets remains unclear. Herein, we employ a biodiversity credit accounting method—where a biodiversity credit is defined as a standardized, quantifiable unit of measurable conservation outcomes— to evaluate how ecological restoration activities, when integrated with dynamic credit pricing mechanisms, contribute synergistically to achieving GBF biodiversity targets. The results indicate that across the 157 ecological restoration projects, an estimated 210,709 biodiversity credits are anticipated. Greenway-, lake-, and river-oriented projects accounted for 69 %, 13 %, and 18 %, respectively. In general, greenway-oriented projects generate more credits per unit of cost than lake- and river-oriented projects but fewer credits per unit of land. The total estimated biodiversity credits are at 2.78 to 5.70 billion Chinese Yuan (CNY), based on the average credit transaction price in 2023, which covers 8–17 % of restoration costs. At the highest credit transaction price in 2023, credits can fully cover the restoration costs. This research establishes a connection between restoration projects and five GBF targets: protecting at least 28–30 % of land (Target 2), restoring ecosystem functions (Target 11), enhancing green spaces and urban planning (Target 12), integrating biodiversity into assessments (Target 14), and stimulating biodiversity offsets (Target 19). Identifying the benefits and contributions of restoration efforts strengthens our understanding of biodiversity conservation and may facilitate the formulation of action strategies to achieve as many GBF targets as possible. Contribution of this study to examining the targets of GBF by 2030. • Biodiversity credits offer a promising market-based approach to boost ecological restoration and conservation efforts. • Projects across various ecosystems can generate significant biodiversity credits, providing both ecological and economic benefits. • Restoration projects can contribute to multiple GBF targets, highlighting the role of biodiversity credits in achieving global biodiversity goals. • Biodiversity credits can partially cover restoration costs and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient economy.
Yan et al. (Wed,) studied this question.