PRINCIPLES UNDERPINNING BIODIVERSITY OFFSETS AND GUIDANCE ON THEIR USE

Abstract

Biodiversity offsets (also known as compensatory measures) are increasingly being applied as a tool for balancing development and conservation. Offsets may be appropriate compensation for residual impacts after genuine attempts have been made to avoid, minimize and mitigate impacts from development activities. Offsetting activities usually involve the management of habitat/land at locations separate from the impact site. To be considered successful, offsetting must at a minimum, produce 'no net loss', by delivering adequate conservation gains to balance the losses imposed by developmental impacts. 1 Adhering to the mitigation hierarchy is essential for maintaining the legitimacy of offsets a..