Ecosystem services represent the actual benefits humans receive from the proper functioning of an ecosystem. For instance, rivers and wetlands trap sand and mud thereby purifying the water. This is an ecosystem service - decomposition or absorption of pollutants.

These functions, which are all natural processes, are a service to mankind, who benefits from the availability of naturally clean water.

The need for placing an economic value on these ecosystem services is becoming apparent as resource depletion forces financial estimations to be incorporated into the decision making process. This economic valuation provides a way to justify and set priorities for programs, policies, and/or controversial investment projects.

Biodiversity offsets are conservation activities intended to compensate for the residual, unavoidable harm to biodiversity caused by development projects. Typical examples include strengthening ineffective protected areas, restoring degraded habitats, safeguarding valuable but unprotected ecosystems, supporting sustainable livelihoods, etc. International experience demonstrates that biodiversity offsets bring significant benefits to companies, governments and the environment. Increasing numbers of large energy and mining corporations have already engaged in voluntary biodiversity offsets backed by the most influential conservation organizations worldwide.

Nature conservation in Bulgaria is highly dependent on government funding and external aid. This leads to challenging financial access, inefficient management, and ultimately to an insufficient level of protection. We assist agencies, local authorities, and NGOs in attracting and promoting new sources of funding with an emphasis on market-based mechanisms. We offer companies our advice on the design and management of corporate conservation funds as we believe Bulgarian business exhibits the power and willingness to assume partial responsibility for conservation of our natural heritage.

A Natura 2000 Assessment is carried out in accordance with the Law on Biodiversity. It is implemented for plans, programs, projects, and investment proposals that may have a negative impact on protected zones. Thus, this assessment is a European tool for preventative nature protection.

In the organization and implementation of Natura 2000 assessment, denkstatt Bulgaria relies on:
a) highly skilled independent experts, whose opinion is highly respected among institutions as well as environmental NGOs;
b) elaboration of programs of mitigation measures, which aim at minimizing any negative impact on nature;
c) preparation of a scheme of voluntary compensatory measures, leading to a net positive impact on nature conservation.