Biodiversity Offsets Between Regulation and Voluntary Commitment: A Typology of Approaches Towards Environmental Compensation and No Net Loss of Biodiversity

Biodiversity offsets are being explored as a tool to address the global biodiversity crisis, but the debate surrounding them has often been oversimplified and lacking practical evidence. This study presents a refined typology including seven types of biodiversity offsets and considers different contexts, governance arrangements, and drivers. It draws on a detailed analysis of theoretical concepts and a broad global explorative base of 72 practical examples to explain the voluntary implementation of biodiversity offsets using an internet-based research approach. The results reveal global tendencies that can inform recommendations for specific locations, contexts, and stakeholders, and encourage the expansion of this research field to address the pressing needs of policy and practice.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 341 pages
Publication date: 26 August 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

The world is facing a grave biodiversity crisis, with an alarming rate of species loss and habitat destruction. In response, a range of tools and approaches, including some that are controversial, are being explored and promoted. One such approach is biodiversity offsets, which have garnered significant attention in recent years. However, the debate surrounding these offsets has often been oversimplified and lacking practical evidence. As such, this study presents a refined typology that includes seven types of biodiversity offsets and takes into account different contexts, governance arrangements, and drivers.

Drawing on a comprehensive analysis of theoretical concepts, the study employs an internet-based (netnographic) research approach to explore the voluntary implementation of biodiversity offsets. It builds on a broad global explorative base of 72 practical examples and presents in-depth case studies for each type. The results of this research reveal a number of global tendencies that can inform recommendations for specific locations, contexts, and stakeholders. Furthermore, the study encourages the expansion of this research field to address the urgent needs of policy and practice.

The biodiversity crisis is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach. Biodiversity offsets are just one tool among many that can be used to address this crisis, but they must be implemented carefully and with consideration of their potential impacts and benefits. By conducting further research and expanding the understanding of biodiversity offsets, we can work towards a more sustainable and equitable future for all species and their habitats.

Weight: 569g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030255961
Edition number: 1st ed. 2020