This publication provides an introduction to biodiversity offsetting, setting out the main issues and policy context and giving an overview of emerging mechanisms in the UK. It looks at the benefits, barriers and risks, and explores the ways in which biodiversity offsetting can be implemented. The paper is important because it considers biodiversity offsetting as a key method for arresting biodiversity decline. It is aimed at two key target audiences. It will help developers and their design teams to gain a better understanding of the process of biodiversity offsetting – enabling them to promote developments that enhance, rather than spoil, the natural environment. It also aims to increase local authority awareness so that procedures and policies are implemented in the right way for biodiversity offsetting to be carried out successfully.

Contents

Introduction

Biodiversity and its decline

Biodiversity offsetting

- How does offsetting work?

- What are the benefits of offsetting?

- What are the barriers and risks to offsetting?

- The Environment Bank

- Green infrastructure

Case studies

1: Upstream Thinking by South West Water

2: Portbury Wharf Nature Reserve, Residents' Levy

3: Thames Headwaters Conservation Credits

4: United States

5: Australia

Conclusions

References

A4 12pp

 

A4 12pp

Available on or after 20/4/2012.