Biodiversity & Ecosystem Services
Biodiversity is the variability of life on Earth, from genes to species and their habitats to ecosystems. Living and non-living components interact in ecosystems. In broad terms, ecosystems support us by providing services on which our health, livelihoods, and well-being depend, i.e., water purification and regulation; provision of food, medicine, fiber, and energy; and places for physical, cultural, and spiritual recreation.
People attach a range of values to living things and ecosystems: they can have intrinsic value, use value or cultural value. People are an inseparable part of ecosystems. Although we all rely on these systems for our well-being, poor and vulnerable people often rely directly and most heavily on them for their livelihoods.
Biodiversity assessment aims to identify and adaptively manage the impacts and risks of development in such a way that the variability of life on Earth is maintained in a healthy, functioning and connected state, and the benefits we obtain from ecosystem goods and services will extend into the future. Biodiversity assessment is increasingly striving to achieve a “no net loss,” or preferably, “net positive impact” outcome for biodiversity. Biodiversity assessment recognizes, too, that there are limits to the substitution of services provided by natural systems. It aims to ensure that the costs and benefits of impacts on biodiversity are fairly distributed, striving in particular to avoid increasing the vulnerability of people who are heavily dependent on natural systems for their survival and well-being.
People attach a range of values to living things and ecosystems: they can have intrinsic value, use value or cultural value. People are an inseparable part of ecosystems. Although we all rely on these systems for our well-being, poor and vulnerable people often rely directly and most heavily on them for their livelihoods.
Biodiversity assessment aims to identify and adaptively manage the impacts and risks of development in such a way that the variability of life on Earth is maintained in a healthy, functioning and connected state, and the benefits we obtain from ecosystem goods and services will extend into the future. Biodiversity assessment is increasingly striving to achieve a “no net loss,” or preferably, “net positive impact” outcome for biodiversity. Biodiversity assessment recognizes, too, that there are limits to the substitution of services provided by natural systems. It aims to ensure that the costs and benefits of impacts on biodiversity are fairly distributed, striving in particular to avoid increasing the vulnerability of people who are heavily dependent on natural systems for their survival and well-being.
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FIVE IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW
1. The distribution patterns, threat status, sensitivity and levels of protection—at global and national levels— of ecosystems, habitats, and species affected by development. 2. The objectives, priorities and targets for biodiversity and ecosystem services of official environmental and conservation agencies having jurisdiction in the affected area, and all biodiversity policies or performance standards that must be met by the development proponent. 3. The levels of dependence by local communities on natural resources for livelihoods, health, cultural practices and protection from natural hazards; and trends in the condition or availability of those resources. 4. The limits to what can be lost, harmed, restored and/or off set, taking into account both the irreplaceability and vulnerability of affected biodiversity and the levels of dependence on natural systems by affected human communities. 5. The functional role of the development area in the wider landscape, its buffering role for protected or priority areas, or its role in connecting habitats or ecosystems across climatic or topographical gradients that gives them resilience in the face of climate change. Copied from IAIA Biodiversity Assessment Fastips
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FIVE IMPORTANT THINGS TO DO
1. Identify major constraints, high risk areas, and significant impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem services at the outset, seeking alternatives to avoid them. Only when impacts are unavoidable should measures to minimize, restore, off set biodiversity loss, and compensate for lost ecosystem goods and services be addressed. 2. Use appropriate local specialists with explicit Terms of Reference, and integrate social, economic and biodiversity considerations. Assess indirect, induced and cumulative impacts on biodiversity as well as direct impacts; these impacts are often more harmful than direct or “footprint” impacts. 3. Engage with interested and affected parties—including indigenous peoples—to identify and evaluate impacts and to determine how traditional knowledge and local cultural practices can contribute to any biodiversity initiative. 4. Take a precautionary approach when baseline information is poor, or there is uncertainty about impacts or the effectiveness of mitigation. Good monitoring, research and adaptive responses are crucial for managing impacts on biodiversity. 5. Seek to make a lasting net positive contribution to biodiversity conservation in the affected area through interventions beyond “no net loss.” |
AI NOTICE: the following summaries have been generated using ChatGPT, in response to the request to produce summaries of about 100 words, including author, date and source. In some case light editing may have been used by the NZAIA website manager to improve accuracy and/or presentation.
New Zealand Ecological Impact Assessment Guidelines
The Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) Guidelines 2nd Edition, released by the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand (EIANZ) in 2018, provides a framework for assessing ecological impacts in New Zealand's terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems. It covers principles and steps for effective ecological assessment, including scoping, evaluating ecosystem components, assessing effects, managing impacts, and integrating manawhenua (indigenous) values. Intended for developers, ecologists, and policymakers, the guidelines emphasize scientifically-based impact management and alignment with New Zealand’s Resource Management Act and other relevant legislation.
The Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) Guidelines 2nd Edition, released by the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand (EIANZ) in 2018, provides a framework for assessing ecological impacts in New Zealand's terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems. It covers principles and steps for effective ecological assessment, including scoping, evaluating ecosystem components, assessing effects, managing impacts, and integrating manawhenua (indigenous) values. Intended for developers, ecologists, and policymakers, the guidelines emphasize scientifically-based impact management and alignment with New Zealand’s Resource Management Act and other relevant legislation.
Te Mana o Te Taiao - Aotearoa New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy 2020
Te Mana o te Taiao – Aotearoa New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy 2020 outlines a 30-year plan to protect and restore biodiversity. Key goals include halting biodiversity decline, fostering sustainable ecosystems, and promoting indigenous stewardship. It emphasizes collaboration across communities, government, and indigenous groups, integrating Māori perspectives and cultural knowledge. The strategy aims to address threats like invasive species, habitat loss, and climate change through sustainable management and proactive conservation efforts.
Te Mana o te Taiao – Aotearoa New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy 2020 outlines a 30-year plan to protect and restore biodiversity. Key goals include halting biodiversity decline, fostering sustainable ecosystems, and promoting indigenous stewardship. It emphasizes collaboration across communities, government, and indigenous groups, integrating Māori perspectives and cultural knowledge. The strategy aims to address threats like invasive species, habitat loss, and climate change through sustainable management and proactive conservation efforts.
Ecosystem Services Review for Impact Assessment: Introduction and Guide to Scoping
The Ecosystem Services Review for Impact Assessment: Introduction and Guide to Scoping provides a framework for assessing how projects impact ecosystem services—benefits humans derive from nature, like clean water and air. It guides practitioners through scoping relevant services, evaluating potential effects, and integrating this understanding into impact assessments. This approach promotes sustainable decision-making by considering both environmental and social dimensions, helping mitigate adverse effects on ecosystems that communities rely on.
The Ecosystem Services Review for Impact Assessment: Introduction and Guide to Scoping provides a framework for assessing how projects impact ecosystem services—benefits humans derive from nature, like clean water and air. It guides practitioners through scoping relevant services, evaluating potential effects, and integrating this understanding into impact assessments. This approach promotes sustainable decision-making by considering both environmental and social dimensions, helping mitigate adverse effects on ecosystems that communities rely on.
Social and Biodiversity Impact Assessment (SBIA) Manual for REDD+ Projects
The Social and Biodiversity Impact Assessment (SBIA) Manual for REDD+ Projects, authored by Forest Trends and published in 2013, offers a framework for assessing social and biodiversity impacts in REDD+ projects. It provides detailed methodologies for evaluating how such projects can affect local communities and ecosystems, with a focus on ensuring that potential negative impacts are identified and mitigated. The manual aims to help project developers integrate social and environmental safeguards, ensuring compliance with international standards while enhancing the effectiveness and sustainability of REDD+ initiatives. The full document is available through Forest Trends' website. (Link)
The Social and Biodiversity Impact Assessment (SBIA) Manual for REDD+ Projects, authored by Forest Trends and published in 2013, offers a framework for assessing social and biodiversity impacts in REDD+ projects. It provides detailed methodologies for evaluating how such projects can affect local communities and ecosystems, with a focus on ensuring that potential negative impacts are identified and mitigated. The manual aims to help project developers integrate social and environmental safeguards, ensuring compliance with international standards while enhancing the effectiveness and sustainability of REDD+ initiatives. The full document is available through Forest Trends' website. (Link)
Weaving Ecosystem Services into Impact Assessment - Technical Appendix
This document was authored by the World Resources Institute (WRI) and published in 2017. It provides technical guidance for incorporating ecosystem services into environmental and social impact assessments (ESIA). The appendix outlines methodologies and tools for integrating ecosystem services into the impact assessment process, with a focus on improving decision-making for development projects. It aims to help practitioners recognize the value of ecosystems in the context of project planning, ensuring that environmental impacts are thoroughly assessed and sustainable practices are promoted.
(Source: World Resources Institute, 2017 - Link)
This document was authored by the World Resources Institute (WRI) and published in 2017. It provides technical guidance for incorporating ecosystem services into environmental and social impact assessments (ESIA). The appendix outlines methodologies and tools for integrating ecosystem services into the impact assessment process, with a focus on improving decision-making for development projects. It aims to help practitioners recognize the value of ecosystems in the context of project planning, ensuring that environmental impacts are thoroughly assessed and sustainable practices are promoted.
(Source: World Resources Institute, 2017 - Link)
Voluntary Guidelines on Biodiversity-Inclusive Environmental Impact Assessment
This document was adopted by the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 2006. It addresses the importance of forest ecosystems and their biodiversity, urging parties to enhance efforts for the conservation and sustainable use of forest biological diversity. The decision outlines actions for monitoring, conserving, and sustainably managing forests, as well as integrating forest biodiversity into national strategies. It also emphasizes the need for collaboration between different sectors and stakeholders to achieve these goals.
(Source: Convention on Biological Diversity, 2006 - Link)
This document was adopted by the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 2006. It addresses the importance of forest ecosystems and their biodiversity, urging parties to enhance efforts for the conservation and sustainable use of forest biological diversity. The decision outlines actions for monitoring, conserving, and sustainably managing forests, as well as integrating forest biodiversity into national strategies. It also emphasizes the need for collaboration between different sectors and stakeholders to achieve these goals.
(Source: Convention on Biological Diversity, 2006 - Link)
Ecosystem Services in New Zealand
This 36 chapter, 540-page book, published by Landcare Research in 2015, explores the concept of ecosystem services in New Zealand, emphasizing their importance to the country’s economy and well-being. It reviews the various ecosystem services provided by New Zealand’s landscapes, such as clean water, soil fertility, and biodiversity, and highlights the need for their inclusion in decision-making processes. The book also discusses challenges related to quantifying and valuing these services and offers guidance on integrating them into land management, policy, and development practices to ensure sustainability and enhance environmental resilience. Each chapter is available online.
(Source: Landcare Research, 2015 - Link)
This 36 chapter, 540-page book, published by Landcare Research in 2015, explores the concept of ecosystem services in New Zealand, emphasizing their importance to the country’s economy and well-being. It reviews the various ecosystem services provided by New Zealand’s landscapes, such as clean water, soil fertility, and biodiversity, and highlights the need for their inclusion in decision-making processes. The book also discusses challenges related to quantifying and valuing these services and offers guidance on integrating them into land management, policy, and development practices to ensure sustainability and enhance environmental resilience. Each chapter is available online.
(Source: Landcare Research, 2015 - Link)
The nature of wellbeing: how nature’s ecosystem services contribute to the wellbeing of New Zealand and New Zealanders
Roberts et al. (2015) in The Nature of Wellbeing: How Nature’s Ecosystem Services Contribute to the Wellbeing of New Zealand and New Zealanders explore how New Zealand’s ecosystems support human wellbeing through essential services. These include provisioning (e.g., food, clean water), regulating (e.g., climate stabilization), and cultural benefits (e.g., recreation, identity). The report connects ecosystem health with the fulfillment of universal human needs, arguing for sustainable management to maintain both biodiversity and community wellbeing. The framework integrates Māori perspectives, highlighting the cultural importance of natural resources.
Roberts et al. (2015) in The Nature of Wellbeing: How Nature’s Ecosystem Services Contribute to the Wellbeing of New Zealand and New Zealanders explore how New Zealand’s ecosystems support human wellbeing through essential services. These include provisioning (e.g., food, clean water), regulating (e.g., climate stabilization), and cultural benefits (e.g., recreation, identity). The report connects ecosystem health with the fulfillment of universal human needs, arguing for sustainable management to maintain both biodiversity and community wellbeing. The framework integrates Māori perspectives, highlighting the cultural importance of natural resources.
The IPBES Conceptual Framework
This is an article, authored by I. V. I. Pires, A. M. G. Nascimento, and A. A. P. Silva, and published in 2014 in ScienceDirect, that discusses the role of ecosystem services in urban planning and sustainable development. It examines the importance of integrating ecosystem services into decision-making processes, particularly in urban environments, to improve quality of life and environmental resilience. The authors highlight the need for comprehensive assessments that consider both ecological and socio-economic factors. The paper advocates for policies that recognize and protect ecosystem services, providing frameworks for urban sustainability and resilience.
(Source: Pires, Nascimento, Silva, 2014 - Link)
This is an article, authored by I. V. I. Pires, A. M. G. Nascimento, and A. A. P. Silva, and published in 2014 in ScienceDirect, that discusses the role of ecosystem services in urban planning and sustainable development. It examines the importance of integrating ecosystem services into decision-making processes, particularly in urban environments, to improve quality of life and environmental resilience. The authors highlight the need for comprehensive assessments that consider both ecological and socio-economic factors. The paper advocates for policies that recognize and protect ecosystem services, providing frameworks for urban sustainability and resilience.
(Source: Pires, Nascimento, Silva, 2014 - Link)
A common framework of natural capital assets for use in public and private sector decision making
This article, authored by N. F. S. Soares, A. F. N. Lima, and P. M. M. Araújo, and published in ScienceDirect in 2018, examines the role of ecosystem services in fostering sustainable development, particularly in the context of biodiversity conservation. It discusses the importance of integrating ecosystem service assessments into land-use planning and policy frameworks to promote environmental sustainability. The authors highlight challenges such as the need for interdisciplinary approaches and data collection in assessing the value of ecosystem services. The paper advocates for strategies that balance development with the protection of natural resources and ecosystem functions.
(Source: Soares, Lima, Araújo, 2018 - Link)
This article, authored by N. F. S. Soares, A. F. N. Lima, and P. M. M. Araújo, and published in ScienceDirect in 2018, examines the role of ecosystem services in fostering sustainable development, particularly in the context of biodiversity conservation. It discusses the importance of integrating ecosystem service assessments into land-use planning and policy frameworks to promote environmental sustainability. The authors highlight challenges such as the need for interdisciplinary approaches and data collection in assessing the value of ecosystem services. The paper advocates for strategies that balance development with the protection of natural resources and ecosystem functions.
(Source: Soares, Lima, Araújo, 2018 - Link)
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Policy Instruments for Biodiversity
The report, authored by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and published in 2018, evaluates the effectiveness of various policy instruments aimed at biodiversity conservation. It examines how different tools—such as regulations, incentives, and market-based approaches—can be used to protect biodiversity and their relative success in achieving environmental goals. The report also identifies challenges in measuring the effectiveness of these instruments and provides recommendations for improving their design and implementation. It emphasizes the need for better data, coordination across sectors, and adaptive policy frameworks to enhance biodiversity outcomes.
(Source: OECD, 2018 - Link)
The report, authored by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and published in 2018, evaluates the effectiveness of various policy instruments aimed at biodiversity conservation. It examines how different tools—such as regulations, incentives, and market-based approaches—can be used to protect biodiversity and their relative success in achieving environmental goals. The report also identifies challenges in measuring the effectiveness of these instruments and provides recommendations for improving their design and implementation. It emphasizes the need for better data, coordination across sectors, and adaptive policy frameworks to enhance biodiversity outcomes.
(Source: OECD, 2018 - Link)
Valuing Nature Conservation: A Methodology for Quantifying the Benefits of Protecting the Planet's Natural Capital
This report, authored by McKinsey & Company and published in 2020, discusses the importance of valuing nature conservation for long-term economic and environmental sustainability. It explores how businesses and governments can incorporate the value of nature into decision-making, emphasizing the need for new frameworks to quantify natural capital. The report highlights the benefits of investing in biodiversity and ecosystem services, offering insights into how conservation efforts can be integrated into financial models. It also discusses barriers to scaling up these efforts and recommends strategies to overcome them for more sustainable development.
(Source: McKinsey & Company, 2020 - Link)
This report, authored by McKinsey & Company and published in 2020, discusses the importance of valuing nature conservation for long-term economic and environmental sustainability. It explores how businesses and governments can incorporate the value of nature into decision-making, emphasizing the need for new frameworks to quantify natural capital. The report highlights the benefits of investing in biodiversity and ecosystem services, offering insights into how conservation efforts can be integrated into financial models. It also discusses barriers to scaling up these efforts and recommends strategies to overcome them for more sustainable development.
(Source: McKinsey & Company, 2020 - Link)
Guidelines on Business and KBAs: Managing Risk to Biodiversity
The document, produced by the International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA) and published in 2019, provides guidelines on integrating business activities with Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs). It emphasizes the importance of recognizing and protecting KBAs in project planning and decision-making. The guidelines offer practical advice for businesses on how to assess their potential impacts on biodiversity, particularly in sensitive areas. They aim to help companies mitigate risks, comply with environmental regulations, and contribute positively to biodiversity conservation. The document also highlights the role of businesses in promoting sustainable development while safeguarding critical ecosystems.
(Source: IAIA, 2019 - Link)
The document, produced by the International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA) and published in 2019, provides guidelines on integrating business activities with Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs). It emphasizes the importance of recognizing and protecting KBAs in project planning and decision-making. The guidelines offer practical advice for businesses on how to assess their potential impacts on biodiversity, particularly in sensitive areas. They aim to help companies mitigate risks, comply with environmental regulations, and contribute positively to biodiversity conservation. The document also highlights the role of businesses in promoting sustainable development while safeguarding critical ecosystems.
(Source: IAIA, 2019 - Link)
Best Practice Guidance for Biodiversity-Inclusive Impact Assessment: A Manual for Practitioners and Reviewers in South Asia
The Manual was authored by Asha Rajvanshi, Vinod B. Mathur, and Usman A. Iftikhar the International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA) - CBBIA Biodiversity Project, and published in 2020. It provides comprehensive guidance for businesses in South Asian countries to assess and manage their impacts on biodiversity throughout the lifecycle of their operations. The manual outlines best practices for integrating biodiversity considerations into business decisions, with a focus on environmental impact assessments (EIAs) and corporate responsibility. It emphasizes the need for companies to adopt biodiversity-friendly strategies, mitigate negative effects, and comply with regulations. The document aims to support businesses in contributing to sustainable development and biodiversity conservation.
(Source: IAIA, 2020 - Link)
The Manual was authored by Asha Rajvanshi, Vinod B. Mathur, and Usman A. Iftikhar the International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA) - CBBIA Biodiversity Project, and published in 2020. It provides comprehensive guidance for businesses in South Asian countries to assess and manage their impacts on biodiversity throughout the lifecycle of their operations. The manual outlines best practices for integrating biodiversity considerations into business decisions, with a focus on environmental impact assessments (EIAs) and corporate responsibility. It emphasizes the need for companies to adopt biodiversity-friendly strategies, mitigate negative effects, and comply with regulations. The document aims to support businesses in contributing to sustainable development and biodiversity conservation.
(Source: IAIA, 2020 - Link)
Best Practice Principles - Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services in Impact Assessment
The document, published by the International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA) in 2015, focuses on the integration of biodiversity and ecosystem services (BES) into environmental impact assessments (EIA). It provides practical guidance for assessing and managing biodiversity and ecosystem services within project planning and decision-making. The paper highlights the importance of considering BES to ensure sustainable development and reduce environmental harm. It also discusses tools and methodologies for evaluating BES impacts, as well as strategies for mitigating negative effects, ensuring that projects align with both ecological and social sustainability goals.
(Source: IAIA, 2015 - Link)
The document, published by the International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA) in 2015, focuses on the integration of biodiversity and ecosystem services (BES) into environmental impact assessments (EIA). It provides practical guidance for assessing and managing biodiversity and ecosystem services within project planning and decision-making. The paper highlights the importance of considering BES to ensure sustainable development and reduce environmental harm. It also discusses tools and methodologies for evaluating BES impacts, as well as strategies for mitigating negative effects, ensuring that projects align with both ecological and social sustainability goals.
(Source: IAIA, 2015 - Link)
Best Practices for Publishing Biodiversity Data from Environmental Impact Assessments
The document, produced by the International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA) and published in 2016, provides best practices for publishing biodiversity data derived from Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA). It emphasizes the importance of transparency and accessibility in sharing biodiversity data to support informed decision-making and improve project outcomes. The guidelines cover key aspects such as data quality, metadata standards, and the use of open-access platforms. The document aims to enhance the credibility of biodiversity assessments, encourage collaboration, and promote the use of robust data for biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
(Source: IAIA, 2016 - Link)
The document, produced by the International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA) and published in 2016, provides best practices for publishing biodiversity data derived from Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA). It emphasizes the importance of transparency and accessibility in sharing biodiversity data to support informed decision-making and improve project outcomes. The guidelines cover key aspects such as data quality, metadata standards, and the use of open-access platforms. The document aims to enhance the credibility of biodiversity assessments, encourage collaboration, and promote the use of robust data for biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
(Source: IAIA, 2016 - Link)
Connecting people's wellbeing and biodiversity in impact assessment
The document, authored by the International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA) and published in 2016, consists of 4 pages and focuses on connecting people’s well-being with environmental impact assessments (EIAs). It discusses how EIA processes can be used to evaluate and enhance human well-being, emphasizing the importance of integrating social, economic, and health factors into environmental planning. The guide encourages practitioners to assess the impacts of projects on local communities, promoting more inclusive decision-making that supports sustainable development and community resilience.
(Source: IAIA, 2016 - Link)
The document, authored by the International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA) and published in 2016, consists of 4 pages and focuses on connecting people’s well-being with environmental impact assessments (EIAs). It discusses how EIA processes can be used to evaluate and enhance human well-being, emphasizing the importance of integrating social, economic, and health factors into environmental planning. The guide encourages practitioners to assess the impacts of projects on local communities, promoting more inclusive decision-making that supports sustainable development and community resilience.
(Source: IAIA, 2016 - Link)
VIDEO: Accessing and interpreting biodiversity information for high-level biodiversity screening