Ecosystem Credit Accounting System

A package of protocols, tools, and resources that allow buyers and sellers to track, account, and trade in multiple types of ecosystem credits.

The Ecosystem Credit Accounting System supports credits for water quality and habitat benefits. It was built to provide:

• A more efficient and effective use of conservation investments, both from regulated and voluntary sources;
• Opportunities to accommodate growth without environmental degradation;
• Increased coordination among various conservation efforts;
• Incentives for voluntary actions on private lands; and
• Healthier ecosystems and improved conservation outcomes

Though the Ecosystem Credit Accounting System was developed by Willamette Partnership, it represents agreement among federal, state, and local government agencies, conservation organizations, and other stakeholders, including many of those likely to buy or sell credits through an ecosystem credit trading or tracking system.