The next phase of net gain: Scaling biodiversity offsetting in England.

This project will investigate the development and implementation of biodiversity offsetting
(BDO) in England through multi-sited, qualitative research. BDO is a conservation strategy
that aims to replace environments degraded by economic development with conserved offsite
habitats mediated through market transactions. BDO is touted as 'win-win' for markets and
nature, flowing from Government's ambition to free environmentally-valuable land for
development. This research, in partnership with Natural England, will explore the spaces and
institutions of BDO in England, tracing how lessons learned from earlier pilots flow into
emerging policy, how nature comes to be valued both economically and for environmental
functions, and how BDO is reshaping conservation practice and communities.
A two-year BDO pilot launched in 2012 in six local authorities, but austerity limited state
capacity to lead the project; ultimately DEFRA made BDO voluntary, key stakeholders
withdrew and, except for Warwickshire County, the pilots fizzled out. But now BDO is back,
and pending legislation will make 'net gain' through BDO mandatory for planning consent,
requiring developers to deliver 10% improvements in 'biodiversity value' by enhancing or
creating habitat elsewhere.