SODA CLASS 002 - Biodiversity

SODA-002 recognises one year of biodiversity outcomes using the bio-year (by). Sub-classes translate different kinds of nature gains into comparable units: 002IYP Individual-Year-of-Protection, 002BHY Biodiversity-Hectare-Year, 002G Genetic Integrity, and 002F Functional Integrity. Issuance is ex-post only.

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Targeted impact: Safeguard threatened species, strengthen habitats, and keep ecosystem functions working -quantified, verified, and easy to communicate.

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Why the SODA Standard matters here?

• Evidence-first: Projects document objectives, indicators and monitoring, with verification before any unit is minted.

• Organisational fit: The Class aligns with the emerging organisational approach to biodiversity strategy, indicators and disclosure.

• One claim per unit: Prevents re-use of the same nature outcome across multiple narratives.

 

Note: SODA-002 is not a biodiversity offset regime; it evidences outcomes and claims. Where “offset” language is used, it must be legally permitted and precisely described.

 

Sub-classes:

002IYP — Individual Year of Protection

• Outline: One protected individual (or equivalent effort) for one year—e.g., nest guarding, anti-poaching, invasive control.

• Where it applies: Species-level conservation programs.

• Worked example: A program safeguards 100 listed individuals for a full season/year. Issuance: 100 by (after evidence and verifier sign-off).

 

002BHY — Biodiversity Hectare-Year

• Outline: One hectare of native habitat maintained or improved above a method threshold for one year.

• Where it applies: Habitat restoration, fencing and managed grazing, weed and fire management.

• Worked example: 20 ha of woodland is verified as meeting condition targets across the year → 20 by.

 

002G — Genetic Integrity

• Outline: Actions that preserve or restore genetic diversity (e.g., seed banking strategies, genetic rescue under strict protocols).

• Where it applies: Threatened flora/fauna with documented genetic risk.

• Worked example: A managed translocation increases effective population size per protocol; the verified outcome is expressed in by per the method.

 

002F — Functional Integrity

• Outline: Measures that protect or restore keystone ecosystem functions (e.g., pollination services, trophic balance) backed by robust indicators.

• Where it applies: Landscapes where function (not just area) is the limiting factor.

• Worked example: Verified restoration of pollinator presence across a farm cluster for a full year → issued in by.

 

Claims guardrails: Be specific about what improved (species protected, hectares in condition, function restored), where, and for how long. Link to the registry record so others can see the evidence.