Independent, site-based certification for land management projects that protect, enhance, and restore biodiversity. 

TGBS certification recognises sites that can demonstrate measurable, nature-positive outcomes, assessed against eight ecological criteria by locally embedded experts.

Who can apply?

TGBS certification is open to all land management projects: from forest, grassland, and savannah restoration to tree planting, agroforestry, and farmland management.

Whether your project is restoring degraded ecosystems, planting trees, managing farmland, developing agroforestry systems, or undertaking other land-use activities, TGBS certification can help you demonstrate and improve your biodiversity outcomes.

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Why Apply for TGBS Certification?

Recognition

Recognising projects that have a positive impact on biodiversity with a public listing in the TGBS registry.

Assurance

Providing independent assurance to funders, governments, and investors that restoration initiatives are delivering measurable biodiversity outcomes over time.

Market Opportunity

Certifying sites can increase the value of commodities, including carbon credits, agricultural produce, and non-timber forest products.

Nature-related Disclosures

Providing 20+ independently verified, robust, and rigorous metrics of a project’s impact on biodiversity — supporting credible reporting and compliance with nature-related disclosure frameworks.

Knowledge

Providing knowledge, data, and mentoring for policymakers, financiers, brokers, and tree planting groups to develop land-management practices that protect, restore, and enhance a biodiverse world.

How it Works

The TGBS certification process is straightforward and outcome-driven. Your application moves through remote sensing and field surveys, scoring against eight criteria, independent verification, and certification. Certification is valid for a period of five years and is based on outcomes rather than processes. 

Separately, TGBS offers an optional mentoring service for projects seeking to build ecological capacity and improve biodiversity practice over time. Mentoring is aligned to the assessment framework but is distinct from the certification process.

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Certification Tiers

Certification is available for projects of all stages.

For projects in the design phase. Demonstrates that the planned activities align with TGBS criteria before implementation begins, giving early assurance to funders and stakeholders.

For early-implementation projects (less than 10 years old). Recognises that biodiversity benefits are emerging and the project is on track to meet full certification requirements.

For established sites showing a clear uplift in biodiversity compared to baseline conditions. Recognition of real, measurable results on the ground.

Awarded to the top 25% of Certified Sites based on biodiversity outcomes. Demonstrates exceptional performance in delivering biodiversity gains and meeting TGBS criteria.

The highest recognition, awarded to the top 5% of Certified Sites. Demonstrates world-leading biodiversity outcomes, excellence in management, and serves as a model for other projects globally.

Certification Criteria

Sites will be assessed against the following 8 criteria, and will need to: 

1

Select appropriate sites to enhance native biodiversity

Criterion 1

Choose sites that enhance or protect native biodiversity by reducing threats, improving ecosystem integrity and diversify species composition. Existing biodiversity is protected and not displaced.

3

Protect, restore and manage biodiversity in consultation and partnership with local communities and other stakeholders

Criterion 3

Plan and deliver the protection, restoration and management of biodiversity together with local stakeholders, including Indigenous peoples, local communities, women, youth, and other key partners, so everyone benefits.

5

Avoid and reduce invasive or potentially invasive species

Criterion 5

Prevent the introduction of invasive species and take action to reduce or remove those already present.

7

Promote biodiversity and adaptive capacity

Criterion 7

Encourage diversity at the genetic level to help nature adapt to environmental changes, including climate change.

2

Enhance protection of existing habitats and biodiversity

Criterion 2

Increase the level of on-the-ground protection for habitats and biodiversity through active management, not just legal designation.

4

Aim to maximise biodiversity recovery through ecosystem restoration

Criterion 4

Appropriate native biodiversity is maximised through methods, such as natural regeneration, assisted regeneration, planting and reintroduction of native species.

6

Prioritise the use of native, threatened and rare species.

Criterion 6

Prioritise native species, especially those that are threatened or rare locally, nationally, or globally, to reduce extinction risk.

8

Implement robust monitoring, evaluation, and adaptive management of biodiversity

Criterion 8

Track progress with clear goals and indicators, and adjust actions as needed to ensure lasting, positive results for biodiversity.
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