Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is a concept introduced under the UK's Environment Act 2021, aimed at ensuring that developments leave the natural environment in a measurably better state than before. BNG requires developers to deliver a 10% net gain in biodiversity through habitat creation, restoration, or enhancement as part of their projects. This approach not only compensates for the environmental impacts of development but also helps to restore and protect habitats, providing long-term benefits for wildlife and ecosystems. By incorporating biodiversity improvements into development planning, BNG encourages a more sustainable and ecologically responsible approach to land use, helping to reverse biodiversity loss and support the UK’s commitment to environmental conservation.
Information
The Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) metric is a tool designed to assess and quantify the impact of development on biodiversity. It compares the biodiversity value of a site before and after a development project, ensuring that the result is a measurable net positive outcome for the environment. The metric requires a minimum of a 10% increase in biodiversity, achieved through habitat creation, restoration, or enhancement. This approach encourages developers to contribute to the long-term health of ecosystems while balancing necessary development with environmental preservation.
The Metric
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) looks like a measurable improvement in the variety and health of ecosystems following development. It involves creating, restoring, or enhancing habitats to increase biodiversity value, often through actions like planting native species, restoring wetlands, or improving wildlife corridors. The aim is to achieve at least a 10% increase in biodiversity on a site, ensuring that development projects not only minimise environmental harm but actively contribute to the conservation and restoration of natural habitats.
What Does BNG Look Like?
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Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is an approach that requires development projects to enhance biodiversity, ensuring that the natural environment benefits from the activities rather than suffering damage. Under this concept, developers must demonstrate that their projects will leave ecosystems in a better state than they were before, typically through the creation, restoration, or enhancement of habitats. BNG seeks to address the loss of biodiversity caused by human development by focusing on measurable improvements in the natural environment.
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The concept of BNG has become a key part of environmental policies, particularly in the UK under the Environment Act 2021. Developers are required to apply a biodiversity metric to assess the impact of their activities on the environment, with a target of achieving at least a 10% net gain in biodiversity.
What Is Biodiversity Net Gain?
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) offers a range of benefits for both the environment and society. One of the key advantages is the enhancement of ecosystems, ensuring that development projects leave a positive legacy by improving biodiversity. By restoring habitats, creating new green spaces, and increasing the variety of species, BNG helps to reverse the trend of biodiversity loss. This can lead to healthier ecosystems, improved soil quality, better water management, and increased resilience to climate change. With a focus on ecological improvements, BNG fosters a more sustainable coexistence between development and nature.
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In addition to environmental benefits, BNG can bring significant economic advantages. By enhancing natural capital, developers may improve the long-term value of their land and projects. Biodiversity-rich environments can attract investment, improve local well-being, and increase property values. Moreover, well-implemented BNG strategies can help mitigate risks related to environmental damage, such as flooding or soil erosion, ultimately leading to cost savings for businesses and communities.
Biodiversity Net Gain Benefits
