Reverse auction for private forest biodiversity protection

This case study evaluates a reverse auction mechanism for funding biodiversity protection on privately owned forests in Denmark, targeting cost-effective conservation through competitive bidding. It focuses on engaging nearly 25,000 private forest owners in Central Jutland to implement targeted conservation measures. The pilot, funded through an innovation budget, tested a discriminatory price auction where landowners bid on required actions and desired compensation. The approach aims to improve coordination, enhance cost-effectiveness, and increase landowner engagement in creating biological corridors and microhabitats. Results inform potential reform of public grant schemes. Key stakeholders include forest owners, ENGOs, and foresters. More details at www.sincereforests.eu.