Methods are legislative instruments that set out how Nature Repair Market projects must be carried out.
Methods outline project requirements, including:
- the conditions a project must meet to be registered
- project eligibility
- when biodiversity certificates can be issued
- reporting
- when to notify the regulator
- record keeping
- project monitoring
- whether certificates could be used as environmental offsets.
Methods must meet:
- the biodiversity integrity standards defined in the Nature Repair Act 2023
- requirements in the Biodiversity Assessment Instrument.
This ensures methods are evidence-based and informed by science.
Available method
The first method for the Nature Repair Market is the Replanting native forest and woodland ecosystems method.
Learn more about the Replanting native forest and woodland ecosystems method.
Visit the Clean Energy Regulator to learn more about how to apply to register a project.
Method development
Methods will be designed to enhance and protect biodiversity across a range of Australian landscapes. They will also support broad participation in the market.
We lead the development of methods. We engage experts to provide technical analysis to inform method development. We also consult more broadly with interested stakeholders.
The Minister formally makes methods for the Nature Repair Market. The Nature Repair Committee provides advice to the Minister on the integrity of methods.
Project registration opens when methods are legislated.
In development
| Proposed method | Summary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Enhancing native vegetation | The proposed method will support projects in Australia’s productive and historically cleared areas. It builds on:
| We consulted on method design in October 2025. The Nature Repair Committee consulted on the method in July 2026. Next steps: Expected release: Late 2026 |
| Protect and conserve | The proposed method will deliver long-term protection and conservation of biodiversity on land. The proposed method will support projects that contribute to Australia’s goal to protect and conserve 30% of Australia’s land by 2030. | We first consulted on method design in November 2025. We consulted on a revised scope in June 2026. Next step:
Expected release: Early 2027 |
Environment protection reforms
Environmental law reforms passed on 28 November 2025 include changes to the Nature Repair Act 2023. The change allows for methods to specify whether biodiversity certificates could be used as environmental offsets.
A certificate could only be used as an offset, if:
- the method allows for it
- the certificate meets any extra requirements:
- in the method or rules
- under relevant environment protection laws.
Proponents can choose whether their certificate is used as an offset. The Nature Repair Market will continue to support voluntary action on nature repair.
As we develop methods, we will consider whether they should allow certificates to be used as offsets.
Learn more about Environment protection reforms.
Work to inform future method development
We are exploring ways methods could support other kinds of projects, including:
| Project | Summary |
|---|---|
| Rangelands Habitat | This Indigenous-led project will deliver technical and policy advice to support the development of a potential method to manage and enhance biodiversity through the application of right-way fire and other land management activities in the arid and semi-arid areas of Australia. |
| Pastoral Rangelands | This project will deliver technical advice to assist the department in exploring potential for a method focused on improving nature within agricultural production areas in the rangelands. |
| Coastal Wetland Restoration and Rehabilitation | This project will explore a method to enhance the extent and condition of coastal wetland ecosystems such as mangroves, saltmarsh, supratidal wetlands and seagrass meadows. |
| Introduced Hooved Animal Management | This project will explore a method to enhance the biodiversity and condition of wetlands and sensitive terrestrial ecosystems via improved management of hooved animals, such as pigs, buffalo, and cattle. |
| Savanna Fire and Biodiversity | This project aims to bring First Nations perspectives and knowledge of fire in the savanna together with fire ecology research to inform how biodiversity outcomes can be achieved through fire management as part of the Nature Repair Market. |
| Native Forest Management | This project is exploring options for a method that could enhance native forests. |
Collaboration
As we develop methods, we work with a range of experts and organisations, including:
- the university sector and academia
- specialist consulting firms
- First Nations organisations
- conservation and natural resource management organisations
- professional services companies
- consortiums.
We have contracted the following organisations to provide expert support:
- Australian Land Conservation Alliance
- Australian National University
- Climate Friendly, leading a consortium with the Australian Land Conservation Alliance and Bush Heritage
- Griffith University
- Indigenous Desert Alliance
- North Australia Indigenous Land and Sea Management Alliance, in collaboration with Aboriginal Carbon Foundation, Indigenous Carbon Industry Network, Arnhem Land Fire Abatement NT, Kimberley Land Council, Indigenous Desert Alliance and Charles Darwin University
- University of Queensland
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation.
The outcomes of tender processes are on AusTender.
Read more
- Nature Repair Market consultation hub
- Legislation for the Nature Repair Market
- Biodiversity Assessment Instrument
Contact us
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