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A framework for evaluating biodiversity mitigation metrics
Kevin Bracy Knight1, Emily S Seddon2, Theodore P Toombs3
1Environmental Defense Fund, 2060 Broadway, Suite 300, Boulder, CO, 80304, USA. kbracyknight@edf.org.
Ambio
|October 14, 2019
Summary
This study introduces a Biodiversity Metrics Framework to improve conservation efforts. It helps standardize and validate biodiversity mitigation projects by aligning scientific best practices with policy requirements.
Area of Science:
- Conservation Biology
- Ecological Restoration
Background:
- Biodiversity mitigation is crucial for applied conservation, involving practices from impact avoidance to habitat creation.
- Effective mitigation relies on accurate metrics to quantify impacts and restoration success.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a Biodiversity Metrics Framework for assessing mitigation strategies.
- To assist practitioners and policymakers in evaluating biodiversity metrics.
Main Methods:
- The framework is based on Noss' Hierarchy of Biodiversity.
- It includes a Scorecard to identify discrepancies between scientific standards and policy metrics.
Main Results:
- Identified a mismatch between scientifically defined best practices and policy-required metrics for biodiversity mitigation.
- The developed framework provides a structured approach to metric assessment.
Conclusions:
- The Biodiversity Metrics Framework can standardize and validate future mitigation projects.
- It aims to bridge the gap between ecological science and conservation policy.
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