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

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This project will investigate the development and implementation of biodiversity offsetting(BDO) in England through multi-sited, qualitative research. BDO is a conservation strategythat aims to replace environments degraded by economic development with conserved offsitehabitats mediated through market transactions. BDO is touted as 'win-win' for markets andnature, flowing from Government's ambition to free environmentally-valuable land fordevelopment. This research, in partnership with Natural England, will explore the spaces andinstitutions of BDO in England, tracing how lessons learned from earlier pilots flow intoemerging policy, how nature comes to be valued both economically and for environmentalfunctions, and how BDO is reshaping conservation practice and communities.A two-year BDO pilot launched in 2012 in six local authorities, but austerity limited statecapacity to lead the project; ultimately DEFRA made BDO voluntary, key stakeholderswithdrew 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 orcreating habitat elsewhere.