Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is a concept that has gained significant momentum in recent years, driven by the pressing need to protect and enhance the world's natural ecosystems.
What is Biodiversity Net Gain?
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is a concept that has gained significant momentum in recent years, driven by the pressing need to protect and enhance the world's natural ecosystems. BNG is a relatively simple but powerful idea with profound implications for the way we approach land use and development. In essence, BNG is a framework that requires any development project, whether it's constructing a new building, expanding infrastructure, or converting land for any purpose, to leave the local environment richer in biodiversity than before.
What does the BNG process involve?
- Measure: The first step is to assess the existing biodiversity on the site earmarked for development. This involves cataloguing the species and habitats present, evaluating their ecological significance, and understanding their role in the local ecosystem.
- Avoid: Once the baseline biodiversity is established, the aim is to avoid, minimise, and mitigate any potential harm to the environment during the development process. This may involve modifying the project design, protecting specific areas, or introducing sustainable practices to lessen the impact.
- Gain: The heart of BNG is the commitment to deliver a quantifiable 'net gain' in biodiversity. This means that the developer must provide evidence that the project will leave the environment in a better state than it was before. This can be achieved through habitat creation, restoration, or enhancement efforts, such as planting native trees, constructing wildlife corridors, or managing water resources sustainably.
Why is Biodiversity Net Gain Important?
Biodiversity serves as the foundation of Earth's ecosystems, providing an array of invaluable services like pollination, water purification, air cleansing, and climate regulation. These services are vital for human survival, and preserving biodiversity is the key to ensuring their continuation.
In the face of environmental changes, such as climate change or disease outbreaks, more diverse ecosystems have a better chance to endure and recover. Biodiversity offers a safety net, allowing nature to adjust to disturbances.
Furthermore, biodiversity is intricately tied to economic well-being. Biodiversity is the foundation of the global economy, according to The World Economic Forum (WEF) over 50% of the world’s GDP (44 trillion dollars) significantly depends on nature and the services it provides. By promoting Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) and maintaining a healthy environment, we can safeguard livelihoods and foster economic growth.
Beyond its practical significance, the conservation of biodiversity carries a moral and ethical responsibility. As custodians of this planet, we have an obligation to protect the natural world. Biodiversity Net Gain ensures that we meet this responsibility, not only for our generation but also for those yet to come and for all the living creatures we share the Earth with.
In an increasingly environmentally conscious world, some regions are enacting legal and regulatory requirements related to BNG. Governments and local authorities are introducing policies and regulations that demand developers demonstrate their commitment to BNG. Non-compliance with these requirements can lead to significant financial penalties, emphasising the growing legal dimension of biodiversity preservation.
What Can I Do?
While Biodiversity Net Gain is often associated with large-scale development projects, every one of us can play a role in preserving and enhancing biodiversity. Here are some steps you can take to contribute:
- Educate Yourself: Start by learning about the biodiversity in your local area. Understand the species, ecosystems, and habitats that are unique to your region. The more you know, the better equipped you'll be to protect them.
- Support Conservation Efforts: Many organisations and initiatives work towards preserving biodiversity. You can donate to or volunteer with local conservation groups, participate in tree-planting events, or support wildlife sanctuaries and parks.
- Sustainable Gardening: If you have a garden, consider planting native species. Native plants provide food and shelter for local wildlife and support a more balanced ecosystem.
- Reduce Your Carbon Footprint: Climate change is a major threat to biodiversity. Reducing your carbon footprint by using energy-efficient appliances, minimising car use, and supporting renewable energy sources can help mitigate this threat.
- Be Mindful of Your Consumption: Choose sustainably sourced products, such as certified wood, seafood, and palm oil. Your consumer choices can impact ecosystems around the world.
- Participate in Citizen Science: Many organisations and research projects involve citizens in data collection. By participating, you can contribute valuable information about local wildlife and ecosystems.
- Advocate for Biodiversity: Raise awareness in your community and advocate for policies that support biodiversity conservation. Encourage local authorities to incorporate Biodiversity Net Gain principles into development projects.
- Reduce Light Pollution: Artificial light at night can disrupt the natural behaviour of wildlife. Use outdoor lighting that is shielded and directed downward to minimise light pollution.
- Promote Sustainable Agriculture: Support farmers who practice sustainable and regenerative agriculture, which aims to protect and enhance biodiversity while providing food for our communities.
The bottom line
Biodiversity Net Gain is a forward-thinking concept that aligns with our moral responsibility to protect the natural world. By understanding its significance and taking steps, both large and small, we can collectively make a positive impact on the planet's biodiversity. It's a call to action for individuals, communities, and developers to work together towards a more sustainable and harmonious coexistence with nature.