Achieving biodiversity net gain by addressing governance gaps underpinning ecological compensation policies

Conservation Biology, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 38(2)

Published: Oct. 9, 2023

Abstract Biodiversity compensation policies have emerged around the world to address ecological harms of infrastructure expansion, but historically compliance is weak. The Westminster government introducing a requirement that new developments in England demonstrate they achieve biodiversity net gain (BNG). We sought determine magnitude effects governance gaps and regulator capacity constraints on policy's potential impacts. collated BNG information from all major across six early‐adopter councils 2020 2022. quantified proportion outcomes promised under at risk noncompliance, explored variation strategies used meet developers’ liabilities, occurrence simple errors metric calculations. For large energy infrastructure, liabilities frequently met within projects’ development footprint. small developments, purchase offsets was most common. estimated 27% units fell into exposed them high noncompliance because were associated with better‐condition habitats delivered on‐site unlikely be monitored or enforced. More robust mechanisms (e.g., practical for monitoring enforcement) would help ensure delivery this on‐site. Alternatively, more gains could through off‐site offsetting. latter case, we demand rise by factor 4; substantially increase financial contributions developers conservation activities private land. Twenty‐one percent applications contained recurring error their One‐half these approved councils, which may indicate under‐resourcing council assessments. Our findings resourcing shortfalls undermining effectiveness.

Language: Английский

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Strategic landscape-scale planning to improve mitigation hierarchy implementation: An empirical case study in Mediterranean France

Land Use Policy, Journal Year: 2019, Volume and Issue: 90, P. 104286 - 104286

Published: Oct. 24, 2019

Language: Английский

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Three ways to deliver a net positive impact with biodiversity offsets

Conservation Biology, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 35(1), P. 197 - 205

Published: May 11, 2020

Abstract Biodiversity offsetting is the practice of using conservation actions, such as habitat restoration, management, or protection, to compensate for ecological losses caused by development activity, including construction projects. The typical goal no net loss (NNL), which means that all are compensated commensurate offset gains. We focused on a conceptual and methodological exploration positive impact (NPI), an ambitious implies commitment beyond NNL has recently received increasing attention from big business environmental nongovernmental organizations. identified 3 main ways NPI could be delivered: use additional multiplier; slowly developing permanent offsets deliver gains after first been reached during shorter evaluation time interval; combination with partially temporary losses. An important novel variant last mechanism alternate mitigation hierarchy so traditional third step (i.e., onsite rehabilitation) longer counted toward reduced requirements. outcome these factors same damage, larger will required than previously, thereby improving success. As corollary, we show only at 1 ephemeral point in time, before they negative become either impact, depending whether combined if To achieve NPI, must made permanent, agreed‐upon period. NPI‐multiplier modified Achieving fully conditional prior achievement NNL, have frequently observed fail due inadequate policy requirements, poor planning, incomplete implementation. Nevertheless, achieving becomes straightforward can credibly first.

Language: Английский

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The politics of influence in biodiversity offsetting

Nature Sustainability, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Feb. 19, 2025

Language: Английский

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Smart Sustainable Cities of the New Millennium: Towards Design for Nature

Circular Economy and Sustainability, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 1(3), P. 1053 - 1086

Published: Aug. 25, 2021

Abstract Urban environments consist of a mosaic natural fragments, planned and unintentional habitats hosting both introduced spontaneous species. The latter group exploits abandoned degraded urban niches which, in the case plants, form what is called third landscape . In Anthropocene, cities, open spaces buildings must be designed considering not only human needs but also those other living organisms. scientific approach habitat sharing defined as reconciliation ecology , whilst action implementing ecosystem services functioning such anthropogenic Rehabilitation However, development still represents main cause biodiversity loss worldwide. Yet, planners architects highly diverges from that ecologists scientists on how to perceive, define design green blue infrastructure. For instance, designers focus positive impact nature (generally associated with indoor outdoor greeneries) has well-being, often neglecting ecosystems’ health. Instead, negative any achieve no net Aichi’s objectives, conservationists apply mitigation hierarchy policies avoid or reduce offset biodiversity. rationale this review paper set fundamentals for multidisciplinary framework tackling issue environment by method focuses building/city/landscape scales enabled emerging digital technologies, i.e., geographic information systems, building modelling, ecological simulation computational design.

Language: Английский

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Identifying opportunities to deliver effective and efficient outcomes from business-biodiversity action

Environmental Science & Policy, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 140, P. 221 - 231

Published: Dec. 26, 2022

Business-biodiversity action is increasingly seen as critical for delivering conservation goals, but such needs to be effective. Using detailed semi-structured interviews with leading business-biodiversity professionals and consultants we aimed understand the actions currently taken why, how are decided upon, current challenges that hinder effective, efficient action. The scale type of varied by sector, driven largely risks (reputational, financial) inaction. Cost-effectiveness was important businesses, limited quantification economic consequences biodiversity hindered uptake. Indirect evidence sources were generally used guide decision-making including using expert consultants, guidance, standards or certifications. Acquiring better cost-effectiveness, particularly if embedded within these indirect sources, could improve practice. A diverse set emerged impeded business engagement biodiversity, effective decision-making, implementation. We discuss opportunities address them thus effectiveness

Language: Английский

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Biodiversity offsets and payments for environmental services: Clarifying the family ties

Ecological Economics, Journal Year: 2019, Volume and Issue: 169, P. 106428 - 106428

Published: Nov. 25, 2019

Language: Английский

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A policy framework to accommodate both the analytical and normative aspects of biodiversity in ecological compensation

Biological Conservation, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 253, P. 108897 - 108897

Published: Dec. 17, 2020

Language: Английский

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When is an Offset Not an Offset? A Framework of Necessary Conditions for Biodiversity Offsets

Environmental Management, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 67(2), P. 424 - 435

Published: Jan. 22, 2021

Language: Английский

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Conserving biodiversity through offsets? Findings from an empirical study on conservation banking

Journal for Nature Conservation, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 57, P. 125871 - 125871

Published: July 17, 2020

Language: Английский

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