Biodiversity Net Gain
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is an approach to development and land management that aims to leave nature in a measurably better state than beforehand. It has been in use by several Local Planning Authorities and developers across England to demonstrate how developments can achieve positive outcomes for nature, however, it will soon become a mandatory process for gaining planning consent due to legislation changes proposed in the new Environment Bill.
It is intended that through nationwide adoption of this approach, we can reverse the harmful impacts of development and halt the current loss of biodiversity. Developers will soon be obliged by law to provide a measurable 10% increase in appropriate Biodiversity Net Gain.
What is involved with Biodiversity Net Gain?
Design, construction, operation and maintaining a development each present opportunity for achieving an overall benefit to biodiversity. Achieving these are more than simply weighing losses against gains. It requires intelligent design and consultation with ecology experts to avoid losing as much biodiversity in the first place (which also lowers cost of the development).
In addition to intelligent design, consideration regarding how valuable the habitat is locally, stakeholder inclusion and regional and national nature priorities must be considered. Overall, there is no objective ‘best’ way to achieve Biodiversity Net Gain to bring about a long-term meaningful benefit to the environment, society, and the economy.