A framework for evaluating biodiversity mitigation metrics

• Published in: Ambio Vol. 49; no. 6; pp. 1232 - 1240
• Main Authors: Knight, Kevin Bracy, Seddon, Emily S., Toombs, Theodore P.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Springer Science + Business Media 01.06.2020; Springer Netherlands; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Atmospheric Sciences; Benchmarking; Biodiversity; Conservation; Conservation of Natural Resources; Earth and Environmental Science; Ecology; Ecosystem; Environment; Environmental Engineering/Biotechnology; Environmental Management; PERSPECTIVE; Physical Geography; Policy; Restoration; System effectiveness; Design; Mitigation; Biodiversity metrics; Biodiversity offsets; Conservation
• ISSN: 0044-7447; 1654-7209
• DOI: 10.1007/s13280-019-01266-y

Biodiversity mitigation is a cornerstone of applied conservation. Mitigation encompasses a suite of practices, ranging from planned avoidance of impacts to creation of new natural habitats. Accurate and appropriate metrics quantifying impacts to natural systems and the effectiveness of restoration are necessary to measure the success of different mitigation strategies. Because effective mitigation requires adequate metrics, we developed a Biodiversity Metrics Framework to assist practitioners and policy makers in assessing biodiversity mitigation metrics. Based on Noss’Hierarchy of Biodiversity, the Scorecard highlights the mismatch between scientifically defined best practices and metrics required by policy. The Framework may serve a vital role in standardizing and validating mitigation projects into the future.