A process for assessing the offsetability of biodiversity impacts

Conservation Letters

John D. Pilgrim³  Susie Brownlie¹  Jonathan M. M. Ekstrom³  Toby A. Gardner⁴  Amrei von Hase²  Kerry ten Kate²  Conrad E. Savy⁷  R. T. Theo Stephens⁸  Helen J. Temple³  Jo Treweek⁵  Graham T. Ussher⁶ 

[1] de Villiers Brownlie Associates, Claremont, South Africa;Forest Trends, Washington, DC, USA;The Biodiversity Consultancy, Cambridge, UK;Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK;Treweek Environmental Consultants, Kentisbeare, Cullompton, Devon, UK;Tonkin & Taylor Ltd,, Auckland 1141, New Zealand;Center for Environmental Leadership in Business, Conservation International, 2011 Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA, USA;Landcare Research, Dunedin, New Zealand

关键词: Biodiversity offsets;    conservation planning;    development planning;    environmental compensation;    limits to offsetability;   

DOI  :  10.1111/conl.12002

来源: Wiley

【 摘 要 】

Abstract

Biodiversity offsetting is increasingly being used to reconcile the objectives of conservation and development. It is generally acknowledged that there are limits to the kinds of impacts on biodiversity that can or should be offset, yet there is a paucity of policy guidance as to what defines these limits and the relative difficulty of achieving a successful offset as such limits are approached. In order to improve the consistency and defensibility of development decisions involving offsets, and to improve offset design, we outline a general process for evaluating the relative offsetability of different impacts on biodiversity. This process culminates in a framework that establishes the burden of proof necessary to confirm the appropriateness and achievability of offsets, given varying levels of: conservation concern for affected biodiversity; residual impact magnitude; opportunity for suitable offsets; and feasibility of offset implementation in practice. Rankings for biodiversity conservation concern are drawn from existing conservation planning tools and approaches, including the IUCN Red List, Key Biodiversity Areas, and international bank environmental safeguard policies. We hope that the proposed process will stimulate much-needed scientific and policy debate to improve the integrity and accountability of both regulated and voluntary biodiversity offsetting.

【 授权许可】

Unknown   
©2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.