Download Delivering Biodiversity Gain: Experience and Practicalities Dr Julia

Delivering Biodiversity Gain:
Experience and Practicalities
Dr Julia Baker CEnv MIEEM
21st March 2012
Delivering Biodiversity Gain
Frameworks exist for delivering biodiversity gain as
part of a development project
Delivering Biodiversity Gain
Developments that achieve net biodiversity gain
are heralded as exemplar projects
BUT delivering biodiversity gain should be:
Delivering the Biodiversity Gain Challenge
So how best to ensure:
•delivering biodiversity gain is undertaken as
standard
•such biodiversity gains have real conservation
value
Need a better understanding of what ‘delivering net
biodiversity gain’ means in practice
What does ‘delivering net gain’ mean in practice?
What does ‘delivering net gain’ mean in practice?
Communication
Climate change is now
on the political agenda
Climate
Change
Communication
But for us…. a confusing mix of terms….
Natural
Capital
Terms
first
used
Ecosystem
Services
Green
Biodiversity Infrastructure
Ecology
1866
1985
1994
1999
2005
Word search on each term
Communication: a clear starting point
The single biggest problem in communication is the
illusion that it has taken place
George Bernard Shaw
Biodiversity gain within a business context
While much work is being undertaken on
valuing biodiversity
Business keeps on going....
Biodiversity gain within a business context
Valuing the biodiversity asset
Valuing the biodiversity asset
Example: flood alleviation scheme
Speaking in money terms is an effective communication tool for partnership working
Example: flood alleviation scheme
More funding for biodiversity enhancement from our business case....
Build the business case of biodiversity gain
BITE
A new project by CIRIA – get involved
and be part of the Steering Group!
Business Improvement Through Ecology
The business benefits of ecology are rarely identified and, typically, ecological
requirements are only seen as a cost. Clear, practical guidance on the business
benefits of ecology is needed to change mindsets.
BITE will demonstrate how Ecology can be a valuable business tool through
adding brand value, ensuring sustainable growth, demonstrating leadership,
helping to win work and reducing risk.
Cost of CFSH ecology credits (2010)
Cost of CFSH credits (2010)
Example: small brownfield development semidetached code level 6
The people benefits of biodiversity gain
The people benefits of biodiversity gain
Identify & quantify where
possible the people benefits of
biodiversity gain
Health & wellbeing for the local
communities & end users
A Win-Win
Aligned with the ecosystem
approach
Rockdale Care Home, Kent
Biodiversity Gains = People Gains
•Defined the benefits for residents of the care home
from enhancing the site for wildlife
• Biodiversity gain became a tangible
‘added value’ for the project
Informed decision-making
• Drive-by surveys for cost efficiency
• Developed a 3-point scale of low:medium:high dormice
habitat
• Recorded every Marker Post (100m)
• Gap Analysis within a GIS to identify target areas for
dormice habitat enhancement
• Intelligence-led & strategic use of BAP funds
Integrated Management: Risk & Opportunities
Primarily a risk mapping exercise that led to strategic delivery of
biodiversity improvements
Effective partnerships & problem solving
Motorway
habitat
clearance under
a dormice
licence
Local conservation
group assisted with
securing a site for
creating new
dormice habitat as
compensation
In summary
Show case examples: A3 Hinehead Tunnel
Translocation of Bird’s nest orchid to a nearby beech
woodland: monitoring demonstrated translocation
success by the establishment of flowering orchids
Specialist dormice bridges to
maintain connectivity between
wooded areas plus 100 dormice
boxes: in one monitored area,
dormice numbers doubled since
2007; in another area no overall
change showing no decline
Delivering biodiversity gain
Balfour Beatty 2020 Sustainability Vision
Balfour Beatty 2020 Sustainability Vision:
Ecology statement
Net ecological gain
Tender Power
Make biodiversity gain a requisite
Delivering Biodiversity Gain
[email protected]