Ecological compensation that helps achieve biodiversity targets

The rapid uptake of no net loss policies and standards around the world is encouraging but offsetting remains contentious. A fundamental issue is a lack of clarity and consistency about what no net loss actually means.

This brainstorming session held on 16th June 2021 demonstrated a new approach to ecological compensation that contributes strategically to achieving biodiversity conservation targets, in line with the post 2020 Global Biodiversity Framework. The speakers used a series of short animated videos to present the mitigation hierarchy and biodiversity offsetting before introducing an alternative approach. Participants then explored its use with a simple, freely available calculation tool.

Panelists:

• Dr. Fabien Quetier, Senior consultant, Biotope
• Dr. Hugo Rainey, Director, COMBO Project - Conservation, Impact Mitigation and Biodiversity Offsets in Africa, WCS
• Mr. Stephen Edwards, Senior Program Manager, Global Business and Biodiversity Program,  IUCN 
  
• Prof. Martine Maron, Environmental Management, The University of Queensland
• Dr. Jeremy Simmonds, Research Fellow, The University of Queensland