No net loss for people and biodiversity

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Conservation Biology
• Environmental Social Science

Background:

• Global initiatives increasingly adopt a no net loss (NNL) objective for biodiversity.
• Biodiversity offsetting is a common strategy to achieve NNL, balancing development-induced losses with gains elsewhere.
• The social impacts of biodiversity offsets on local stakeholders, particularly vulnerable populations, are often overlooked.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conceptualize the 'no-worse-off' principle within the framework of NNL biodiversity objectives.
• To explore how to ensure local stakeholders are not negatively impacted by biodiversity offsetting projects.
• To address the challenges of achieving social equity and maintaining well-being for communities dependent on natural resources.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of the 'no-worse-off' principle in relation to biodiversity NNL.
• Examination of social impacts across spatial-temporal scales, considering location, gender, and livelihood.
• Proposal for a framework based on affected people's perceptions and well-being maintenance.

Main Results:

• Biodiversity offsets can exacerbate poverty and social inequity if not carefully planned.
• Social impacts vary significantly based on the scale of aggregation used for measurement and balancing.
• A participatory approach, centering on affected people's perceptions and well-being, is crucial.

Conclusions:

• The 'no-worse-off' principle in biodiversity offsetting must prioritize the perceptions and well-being of affected communities.
• Ensuring well-being is maintained throughout the project lifecycle is essential for equitable outcomes.
• Implementing this principle can mitigate negative social consequences of NNL biodiversity interventions.