Biodiversity Net Gain Assessment and a Nature Positive Future

A Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessment is a crucial concept for sustainable development practices. With upcoming changes in legislation by the new Environment Bill, BNG will become a mandatory requirement for most new developments in England, with a minimum target net gain of 10%.

What is Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)?

BNG refers to an intervention that leads to a net improvement in biodiversity for a specific area of land. This intervention can be any human-induced impact that alters the type or condition of a habitat. Examples of interventions include land development or changes in land management practices.

What is involved in a Biodiversity Net Gain Assessment?

It compares the baseline biodiversity conditions of a site with the post-development plans to determine whether there is a net improvement in biodiversity. The assessment evaluates both positive and negative impacts and ensures that the positive effects outweigh the negative ones. A gain in biodiversity refers to the increase in the numbers, genetic variability, and variety of species in a given area. To measure biodiversity net gain, businesses need to assess the biodiversity value of the area before and after their actions, considering factors like habitat quality, species presence, and ecosystem services. The goal of BNG is to ensure that recreated or restored habitats exceed those lost in terms of potential biodiversity outcomes.

What are the required steps for a Biodiversity Net Gain Assessment?

A Biodiversity Net Gain Assessment involves several steps to evaluate and quantify the impact of development projects on biodiversity. These steps help measure the biodiversity net gain and ensure that development projects contribute to overall biodiversity enhancement. The five different steps are outlined here:

1. Assess the current baseline biodiversity conditions of the site before any development activities take place. This may require a field survey as factors such as information on habitat quality, species presence, and ecosystem services are needed to establish the baseline biodiversity value of the area.
2. The next step is to evaluate the post-development plans, including the proposed changes or actions that will affect biodiversity. This includes considering the negative and positive impacts of the development and identifying potential opportunities for biodiversity enhancement.
3. This step involves calculating Biodiversity Loss by quantifying the negative impacts on biodiversity. Factors such as habitat destruction or fragmentation, species displacement, and loss of ecosystem services will need to be considered in this step. Overall, this step determines the total biodiversity loss resulting from the proposed development.
4. Calculation of Biodiversity Net Gain involves quantifying the positive impacts on biodiversity by considering factors like the increase in numbers, genetic variability, and variety of species in the area. This calculation determines the biodiversity gain resulting from the proposed development.
5. The final step involves compiling a Net Gain Evaluation by comparing the biodiversity gains with the losses to determine whether there is a net improvement in biodiversity. The goal is to ensure that the positive effects outweigh the negative ones and that the recreated or restored habitats exceed those lost in terms of potential biodiversity outcomes.

Overall, a Biodiversity Net Gain assessment plays a vital role in ensuring that development projects result in positive biodiversity outcomes. By understanding the steps involved in calculating Biodiversity Net Gain or Loss, developers can contribute to the conservation and enhancement of biodiversity while meeting the regulatory requirements.