Biodiversity Net Gain: A New Approach to Environmental Stewardship

In the face of mounting climate and ecological challenges, the urgency for inventive strategies to expedite the restoration of nature is paramount. Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) emerges as a promising solution, offering a novel approach to development and land management that enhances biodiversity beyond its original state.

Unravelling Biodiversity Net Gain

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is a unique approach to development that seeks to improve the natural environment, leaving it in a noticeably better state than before. This principle ensures that developments contribute to the restoration of nature by delivering enhancements through the creation or improvement of habitats, after all possible harm has been avoided or mitigated.

To fully grasp BNG, one must first understand biodiversity. Biodiversity encapsulates the spectrum of life on Earth, including the vast array of ecosystems and living organisms, humans included. It encompasses diversity within species, between species, and among ecosystems. Biodiversity is essential as it forms the foundation of life on Earth and the functioning of ecosystems upon which human civilization relies.

When we discuss “net gain,” we refer to the positive outcome for biodiversity, resulting from the actions taken. In the context of BNG, this implies that any development or land management activity should aim not just to minimize harm to biodiversity, but also to actively enhance it.

Consider, for instance, a housing development project. Traditionally, the focus might be on minimizing harm to the local environment — perhaps by avoiding building on greenfield sites or taking steps to reduce harm to local wildlife during construction. However, under the principles of BNG, the developers would go a step further. They might create new habitats, such as planting trees or creating ponds, to replace and enhance any habitats lost during construction. They might also take steps to improve the connectivity of habitats, making it easier for wildlife to move between different areas.

The objective of BNG is to ensure that the biodiversity value of the developed site is higher than it was before development. This is typically measured using a biodiversity metric, a tool that calculates changes in biodiversity value before and after development.

Measuring BNG

BNG is measured using the Biodiversity Metric, a tool that measures changes in the extent and quality of habitats as a proxy for nature. It compares the habitat found on a site before and after development, and considers four key factors:

1. Habitat Size: The size of the habitat.

2. Habitat Condition: The functionality of the habitat compared to an optimal state.

3. Habitat Distinctiveness: The ecological importance of the habitat.

4. Strategic Significance: The local priority or location of the habitat in a priority area for habitat creation or enhancement.

The Significance of Measuring Biodiversity Net Gain

1. Accountability and Transparency: Measuring BNG ensures that developers and land managers are held accountable for the impact of their activities on biodiversity. It provides a clear, quantifiable metric that can be used to assess whether a development has indeed resulted in a net gain for biodiversity. This promotes transparency and allows regulators, stakeholders, and the public to verify the claims made by developers.

2. Informed Decision-Making: The process of measuring BNG involves assessing the current state of biodiversity, predicting the impact of proposed activities, and monitoring the actual impact after the activities have been carried out. This information is invaluable for decision-making. It allows developers to design their activities to minimize harm and maximize benefits for biodiversity. It also allows regulators to make informed decisions about whether to approve proposed developments.

3. Benchmarking and Progress Tracking: Measuring BNG provides a benchmark against which future changes in biodiversity can be compared. This is crucial for tracking progress towards biodiversity targets and for assessing the effectiveness of biodiversity conservation strategies. Without a clear measure of BNG, it would be impossible to know whether we are moving in the right direction or how far we have to go to achieve our goals.

4. Legal Compliance: In some jurisdictions, achieving a net gain for biodiversity is a legal requirement for certain types of development. In these cases, measuring BNG is not just beneficial, but also mandatory. It provides the evidence needed to demonstrate compliance with the law.

5. Promoting Sustainable Development: Finally, measuring BNG promotes sustainable development. It encourages developers to consider the environmental impact of their activities and to find ways to enhance biodiversity. This leads to developments that are more in harmony with nature and that contribute to the long-term sustainability of our planet.

Implementing BNG

BNG can be implemented through various mechanisms, including on-site and off-site habitat creation or enhancement, and through large-scale habitat projects that deliver high-value habitats. These methods can provide long-term nature-based solutions.

The BNG Process

The BNG process begins with site selection and design, where the mitigation hierarchy is followed to avoid any negative impacts on nature. The Biodiversity Metric is used to calculate the biodiversity unit value of the site before and after development. If BNG cannot be achieved on-site, off-site opportunities should be identified.

A Biodiversity Gain Plan is then established, outlining the strategy for achieving BNG, including information on species factors, habitat management plans, and how the net gains will be managed and maintained. Any land delivering BNG will need to be managed, monitored, and reported on for the duration of the net gain agreement.

The Advantages of BNG

BNG offers numerous advantages, including:

• Nature: BNG is a significant contributor to nature recovery. By enhancing existing habitats and creating new ones, it provides a more diverse, resilient, and robust environment for wildlife to thrive. This is crucial in the face of habitat loss and fragmentation, which are among the most significant threats to biodiversity. BNG helps to reverse these trends, ensuring the survival of a wide range of species and the preservation of ecological processes.

• People and Places: BNG has profound implications for people and places. It creates opportunities for people to connect with nature, which has been shown to have numerous health and wellbeing benefits. Access to green spaces can reduce stress, improve mental health, and encourage physical activity. Moreover, BNG can enhance the aesthetic value of an area, making it a more attractive place to live, work, and visit. It can also foster a greater sense of community as people come together to protect and enjoy their local environment.

• Economy: From an economic perspective, BNG can increase natural capital assets, which are the elements of nature that directly or indirectly produce value to people. These include forests, rivers, land, minerals, and oceans, as well as the services they provide, such as carbon sequestration, water filtration, and pollination. By enhancing these assets, BNG can provide green jobs and contribute to sustainable development. Furthermore, it can help businesses meet their environmental targets and enhance their reputation, which can lead to increased customer loyalty and market share.

• Climate Change: BNG also plays a crucial role in addressing climate change. It contributes towards climate change mitigation by enhancing ecosystems that absorb and store carbon, such as forests and wetlands. Moreover, it supports climate change adaptation by creating more resilient ecosystems that can withstand and recover from climate impacts. For instance, healthy wetlands can reduce flood risk by absorbing excess rainfall, while diverse forests are more resilient to pests and diseases. By providing these nature-based solutions, BNG can help us achieve our net zero targets and adapt to a changing climate.

In conclusion, BNG offers a holistic approach to development that benefits not only nature but also people, the economy, and the climate. It represents a paradigm shift in how we view and interact with the natural world, one that recognizes the intrinsic value of nature and the crucial role it plays in our lives. BNG is a promising approach to development that not only mitigates the impact of development on nature but also enhances it. By implementing BNG, we can ensure a sustainable future where development and nature coexist harmoniously.