In the sense of the polluter pays principle:
Compensation of the loss of performance and functionality of the ecosystem through appropriate measures.
In the sense of incentive creation:
A remuneration (typically based on the concept of ‘income forgone’) conceived to compensate the opportunity costs linked to additional ecological achievements (e.g. biodiversity, climate or water protection). This concept is sometimes distinguished from a rewardRemuneration for current ecological achievements (e.g. biodiversity, climate or water protection) without a necessary additionality. See also: Compensation More.