Global implementation of biodiversity offsets - what do we know so far?

Abstract

‘No net loss’ (NNL) biodiversity conservation policies are increasingly widespread, and yet highly controversial – and this is particularly true of biodiversity offsets (a key component of achieving NNL). But there have precious few multinational assessments concerning the actual outcomes of implementing NNL policy globally. Such assessments are sorely needed in order to facilitate more informed debate, and confirm or refute the validity of NNL as conservation policy.

Starting with the historical emergence of NNL type policies, and their subsequent geographic and temporal spread worldwide, I will provide an overview of what is currently known about the practical implementation of biodiversity offsets. The talk will incorporate findings from (1) our attempt to build a first global dataset of biodiversity offset implementation, (2) our recently published study into problems with data transparency for offset implementation in Europe, and (3) the wider literature on NNL implementation.

Consequently, I will explore key characteristics of the aforementioned data – such as biodiversity offset activities (e.g. restoration vs. avoided loss), and key habitat targets – considering trends and implications for conservation through NNL policy. Finally, I will discuss some key open questions related to the implementation of effective biodiversity offsets, looking towards possibilities for a quantitative assessment of the outcome of NNL policies more broadly.

This proposed talk deals directly with an area of interaction between ecological science and management, relating to one of the key sustainability challenges of our time – how to dissociate biodiversity loss from economic development. Furthermore, it sets the scene for the remainder of the symposium.