NZAIA
  • Home
    • Environmental Impact Assessment
    • Social Impact Assessment
    • Strategic Environmental Assessment
    • Community & Stakeholder Engagement
    • Management, Monitoring and Reporting
  • About Us
    • Core Group >
      • Core Group Meeting Minutes
    • Our Partners and Affiliates
    • AGMs
    • Constitution changes 2025
    • Ethics
  • Membership
    • Sign Up for NZAIA Membership
    • 2025 Calendar Year Membership Subscription Renewal
  • Conferences
    • Conference 2024 >
      • Conference Programme 2024
      • Proceedings 2024
    • Proceedings from Past Conferences >
      • Conference 2023 >
        • Pacific Day 2023
        • 2023 Students
      • 2022 - Wellbeing, Sustainability and Impact Assessment: towards more integrated policy-making >
        • Posters
        • 2022 Students
      • 2021 - Social Impact Assessment >
        • Posters
        • 2021 Students
      • 2019 - Climate Change >
        • Posters
        • 2019 Students
        • Conference Photos
        • Contact List
      • 2018 - Regional Development
      • 2016 - Strategic Environmental Assessment
      • 2015 - Where to for Impact Assessment?
      • 2014 - Transport Infrastructure
      • 2013 Fresh Water Management
      • 2012 - Mineral Extraction
    • Sign up for occasional updates from NZAIA
  • Impact Connector
    • Issue #16 SIA for rural resilience and wellbeing >
      • SIA for rural resilience and wellbeing: Intro
      • The drivers and agents of on-farm change in Aotearoa New Zealand
      • Social-ecological assessment for remote and island communities
      • The Impact of Substandard Rural Housing on Resilience and Wellbeing in Te Tai Tokerau
      • Success factors for planning regeneration in rural areas
    • Issue #15 Economic methods and Impact Assessment >
      • Economic methods in impact assessment: an introduction
      • The Nature of Economic Analysis for Resource Management
      • The State-of-the-Art and Prospects: Economic Valuation of Ecosystem Services in Environmental Impact Assessment
      • Economic impact assessment and regional development: reflections on Queensland mining impacts
      • Fonterra’s policy on economic incentives for promoting sustainable farming practices
    • Issue #14 Impact assessment for infrastructure development >
      • Impact assessment for infrastructure development - an introduction
      • Place Matters: The importance of geographic assessment of areas of influence in understanding the social effects of large-scale transport investment in Wellington
      • Unplanned Consequences? New Zealand's experiment with urban (un)planning and infrastructure implications
      • Reflections on infrastructure, Town and Country planning and intimations of SIA in the late 1970s and early 1980s
      • SIA guidance for infrastructure and economic development projects
      • Scoping in impact assessments for infrastructure projects: Reflections on South African experiences
      • Impact Assessment for Pacific Island Infrastructure
    • Issue #13 Health impact assessment: practice issues >
      • Introduction to health impact assessment: practice issues
      • International Health Impact Assessment – a personal view
      • Use of Health Impact Assessment to develop climate change adaptation plans for health
      • An integrated approach to assessing health impacts
      • Assessing the health and social impacts of transport policies and projects
      • Whither HIA in New Zealand….or just wither?
    • Issue #12 Risk Assessment: Case Studies and Approaches >
      • Introduction
      • Risk Assessment and Impact Assessment : A perspective from Victoria, Australia
      • The New and Adaptive Paradigm Needed to Manage Rising Coastal Risks
      • Reflections on Using Risk Assessments in Understanding Climate Change Adaptation Needs in Te Taitokerau Northland
      • Values-Based Impact Assessment and Emergency Management
      • Certainty about Communicating Uncertainty: Assessment of Flood Loss and Damage
      • Improving Understanding of Rockfall Geohazard Risk in New Zealand
      • Normalised New Zealand Natural Disaster Insurance Losses: 1968-2019
      • Houston, We Have a Problem - Seamless Integration of Weather and Climate Forecast for Community Resilience
      • Innovating with Online Data to Understand Risk and Impact in a Data Poor Environment
    • Impact Connector #11 Climate Change Mitigation, Adaptation, and Impact Assessment: views from the Pacific >
      • Introduction
      • Climate change adaptation and mitigation, impact assessment, and decision-making: a Pacific perspective
      • Climate adaptation and impact assessment in the Pacific: overview of SPREP-sponsored presentations
      • Land and Sea: Integrated Assessment of the Temaiku Land and Urban Development Project in Kiribati
      • Strategic Environmental Assessment: Rising to the SDG Challenge
      • Coastal Engineering for Climate Change Resilience in Eastern Tongatapu, Tonga
      • Climate-induced Migration in the Pacific: The Role of New Zealand
    • Impact Connector #10 Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation >
      • Introduction
      • Is a “just transition” possible for Māori?
      • Adapting to Climate Change on Scale: Addressing the Challenge and Understanding the Impacts of Asia Mega-Cities
      • How responding to climate change might affect health, for better or for worse
      • Kanuka, Kereru and carbon capture - Assessing the effects of a programme taking a fresh look at the hill and high country land resource
      • Wairoa: Community perceptions of increased afforestation
      • Te Kākahu Kahukura Ecological Restoration project: A story within a story
    • Issue #9 Impacts of Covid-19 >
      • Introduction to Impact Connector Issue 9 – Impact assessment and Covid 19
      • Covid-19 fast-track consenting: climate change legacy key to success
      • Tourism – the long haul ahead
      • Making sense of the impact of Covid-19: planning, politics, and the public good
    • Issue #8 Social Impact Assessment >
      • Challenges for Social Impact Assessment in New Zealand: looking backwards and looking forwards
      • Insights from the eighties: early Social Impact Assessment reports on rural community dynamics
      • Impact Assessment and the Capitals Framework: A Systems-based Approach to Understanding and Evaluating Wellbeing
      • Building resilience in Rural Communities – a focus on mobile population groups
      • Assessing the Impacts of a New Cycle Trail: A Fieldnote
      • The challenges of a new biodiversity strategy for social impact assessment (SIA)
      • “Say goodbye to traffic”? The role of SIA in establishing whether ‘air taxis’ are the logical next step in the evolution of transportation
    • Issue #7 Ecological Impact Assessment >
      • The future of Ecological Impact Assessment in New Zealand
      • Ecological impact assessment and roading projects
      • EcIA and the Resource Management Act
      • Professional Practice and implementation of EcIA
      • EcIA in the Marine Environment
    • Issue #6 Landscape Assessment >
      • Introduction
      • Lives and landscapes: who cares, what about, and does it matter?
      • Regional Landscape Inconsistency
      • Landscape management in the new world order
      • Landscape assessment and the Environment Court
      • Natural character assessments and provisions in a coastal environment
      • The Assessment and Management of Amenity
      • The rise of the THIMBY
      • Landscape - Is there a common understanding of the Common?
    • Issue #5 Cultural Impact Assessment >
      • Introduction
      • Potential of Cultural Impact Assessment
      • The Mitigation Dilemma
      • CIA and decision-making
      • Insights and observations on CIA
      • Achieving sustainability through CIA
      • CIA - Enhancing or diminishing mauri?
      • Strategic Indigenous Impact Assessment?
    • Issue #4 Marine Environment >
      • Introduction
      • Iwi, Impact Assessment and Marine Environment
      • Sea-Bed Mining Application in Taranaki
      • The wreck of the MV Rena
      • High Court RMA Controls on Fishing
      • Initiatives in the Pacific Islands
      • SEA in an NZ context
    • Issue #3 Strategic Environmental Assessment
    • Issue #2
    • Issue #1
  • Resources
    • Webinars
    • IAIA Resources
    • United Nations Guidance
    • Donors Guidelines and Principles
    • Oceania and the Pacific
    • Natural Systems >
      • Biodiversity & Ecosystem Services
      • Agriculture & Food Systems
      • Water Management
    • Social Impact Assessment
    • Health Impact Assessment >
      • Climate Change & Health
      • Air Quality Impact Assessment
    • Cumulative Impact Assessment
    • Community and Stakeholder Engagement
    • Indigenous Peoples
    • Climate Change and Disaster Risk Resilience >
      • Adaptation Planning
      • Nature-based Solutions
    • Urban Development
    • Sustainable Development Goals
    • Strategic Environmental Assessment
    • Regulatory Impact Assessment
    • Methods in Impact Assessment
  • Community
    • Membership Directory
    • News
    • Policy Submissions >
      • Submissions
    • Courses
  • 2025 Calendar Year Membership Subscription Renewal

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.
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
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​.
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.
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.
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)
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)
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)
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)
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.
Picture
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
VIDEO: Accessing and interpreting biodiversity information for high-level biodiversity screening

Agriculture & Food Systems

ICAT - Agriculture Sector Guidance
The resource, authored by the Climate Action Transparency Initiative and released in 2020, provides a detailed toolkit for assessing climate impacts in the agriculture sector. Spanning several pages, it outlines key methodologies and tools for measuring greenhouse gas emissions, adaptation, and mitigation strategies specific to agriculture. The toolkit aims to support governments, businesses, and other stakeholders in making informed decisions to reduce climate risks and improve sectoral sustainability. It offers guidance on aligning agricultural practices with global climate targets, helping stakeholders navigate the complexities of climate action in this vital sector.
(Source: Climate Action Transparency, 2020 - Link)
ICAT - Forest Sector Guidance
The resource, authored by the Climate Action Transparency Initiative and published in 2020, provides a comprehensive toolkit for assessing climate impacts in the forest sector. Spanning several pages, it outlines methods for evaluating greenhouse gas emissions, mitigation measures, and adaptation strategies specific to forests. The toolkit is designed to assist governments, businesses, and other stakeholders in making informed decisions that promote sustainable forest management while meeting global climate goals. It offers practical guidance for aligning forest sector activities with climate action frameworks, helping stakeholders reduce emissions and enhance climate resilience.
(Source: Climate Action Transparency, 2020 - Link)
Managing the Biodiversity Impacts of Fertiliser and Pesticide Use
This 120 page report, from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and published in 2020,  addresses the biodiversity impacts of fertilizer and pesticide use. It provides an analysis of how agricultural chemicals affect ecosystems and biodiversity, highlighting the need for sustainable practices in their use. The report offers policy recommendations to mitigate these impacts, including adopting integrated pest management, reducing chemical inputs, and promoting alternatives. It emphasizes the importance of balancing agricultural productivity with environmental conservation to protect biodiversity and ensure long-term food security.
(Source: OECD, 2020 - Link)
Our Land and Water - Growing Kai Under Increasing Dry
Authored by the Our Land and Water National Science Challenge, this 2021 32 page report  synthesizes insights from a series of events that convened farmers, growers, industry bodies, researchers, and government representatives to discuss strategies for adapting New Zealand's primary sector to the increasing frequency and severity of droughts due to climate change. The report emphasizes the necessity for long-term planning by industry bodies, regional councils, and government to alleviate future pressures on farmers and growers. It also highlights the role of mana whenua in leading transformational adaptation efforts, drawing upon mātauranga Māori and collaboration with various stakeholders.
Towards Sustainable Land Use
Authored by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and published in 2020, this 156-page report examines the challenges of aligning land-use policies with climate, biodiversity, and food objectives. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of these areas and the need for coherent policies to enhance sustainable land-use systems. The report analyzes six countries—Brazil, France, Indonesia, Ireland, Mexico, and New Zealand—highlighting their agricultural and forestry sectors' contributions to greenhouse gas emissions and biodiversity. It underscores the importance of coordinated government policies to address these intertwined challenges effectively.
oecd.org
Innovation, Productivity and Sustainability in Food and Agriculture
Authored by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and published in 2019, this 128-page report examines how government policies can enhance productivity and sustainability in the food and agriculture sector by influencing innovation, structural change, and natural resource use. It emphasizes the importance of well-functioning markets within a stable regulatory and policy environment to achieve these goals. The report also highlights the need for coherent policies to build trust and increase effectiveness throughout the food and agriculture chain.
oecd.org
The Lake Taupo Nitrogen Market in New Zealand
Authored by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and published in 2015, this 12-page report examines the establishment of a nitrogen trading market to protect Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake, from declining water quality due to nitrogen emissions from pastoral farming and other human activities. The policy response included capping nitrogen emissions within the catchment area and creating a trading system to incentivize reductions. The report highlights the technical feasibility of including non-point sources in a cap-and-trade water quality market and underscores the importance of clear property rights and collaborative efforts among stakeholders for successful implementation.
Principles for the assessment of livestock impacts on biodiversity 
Authored by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and published in 2016, this 66-page document outlines principles for assessing livestock impacts on biodiversity. It emphasizes that livestock production, occupying significant terrestrial areas, influences biodiversity through habitat conversion, land use change, water impacts, and contributions to climate change. The document introduces Life Cycle Assessment and the Pressure-State-Response indicator approach as methodologies for evaluating these impacts. It serves as preliminary guidance for stakeholders aiming to assess and mitigate the effects of livestock systems on biodiversity.
Nutrient flows and associated environmental impacts in livestock supply chains - Guidelines for assessment
Avoiding Future Famines: Strengthening the Ecological Foundation of Food Security through Sustainable Food Systems
The Global Livestock Environmental Assessment Model (GLEAM)
IPCC 2019 Special Report: Climate Change and Land
Climate Change Impacts for Land Use Suitability (NZ)
Climate Indicators for Agriculture (US) 
Our Land and Water: Land Use Tools
Our Land and Water: Economic Tools
Our Land and Water: Decision Support Tools

Water Management

Our Land and Water: Decision Support Tools
Nature-based solutions for adapting to water-related climate risks
Large Marine Ecosystems Toolkits
A good practice guide: Drinking water, biodiversity and development
Mobilising people towards integrated water resource management
Guidelines for Wetland Management Planning
Wetland Restoration: A Handbook for New Zealand Freshwater Systems
Managing Our Estuaries
Environmental impact assessment of irrigation and drainage projects 
Groundwater Allocation: Managing Growing Pressures on Quantity and Quality
Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality
The Water Footprint Assessment Manual
Environmental risk assessment of marine activities
Environmental effects of major marine infrastructure
CONTACT US
​NZAIA Incorporated is a registered charity 
#CC54658
This website and all its content is SSL Protected. 
Privacy Policy

  • Home
    • Environmental Impact Assessment
    • Social Impact Assessment
    • Strategic Environmental Assessment
    • Community & Stakeholder Engagement
    • Management, Monitoring and Reporting
  • About Us
    • Core Group >
      • Core Group Meeting Minutes
    • Our Partners and Affiliates
    • AGMs
    • Constitution changes 2025
    • Ethics
  • Membership
    • Sign Up for NZAIA Membership
    • 2025 Calendar Year Membership Subscription Renewal
  • Conferences
    • Conference 2024 >
      • Conference Programme 2024
      • Proceedings 2024
    • Proceedings from Past Conferences >
      • Conference 2023 >
        • Pacific Day 2023
        • 2023 Students
      • 2022 - Wellbeing, Sustainability and Impact Assessment: towards more integrated policy-making >
        • Posters
        • 2022 Students
      • 2021 - Social Impact Assessment >
        • Posters
        • 2021 Students
      • 2019 - Climate Change >
        • Posters
        • 2019 Students
        • Conference Photos
        • Contact List
      • 2018 - Regional Development
      • 2016 - Strategic Environmental Assessment
      • 2015 - Where to for Impact Assessment?
      • 2014 - Transport Infrastructure
      • 2013 Fresh Water Management
      • 2012 - Mineral Extraction
    • Sign up for occasional updates from NZAIA
  • Impact Connector
    • Issue #16 SIA for rural resilience and wellbeing >
      • SIA for rural resilience and wellbeing: Intro
      • The drivers and agents of on-farm change in Aotearoa New Zealand
      • Social-ecological assessment for remote and island communities
      • The Impact of Substandard Rural Housing on Resilience and Wellbeing in Te Tai Tokerau
      • Success factors for planning regeneration in rural areas
    • Issue #15 Economic methods and Impact Assessment >
      • Economic methods in impact assessment: an introduction
      • The Nature of Economic Analysis for Resource Management
      • The State-of-the-Art and Prospects: Economic Valuation of Ecosystem Services in Environmental Impact Assessment
      • Economic impact assessment and regional development: reflections on Queensland mining impacts
      • Fonterra’s policy on economic incentives for promoting sustainable farming practices
    • Issue #14 Impact assessment for infrastructure development >
      • Impact assessment for infrastructure development - an introduction
      • Place Matters: The importance of geographic assessment of areas of influence in understanding the social effects of large-scale transport investment in Wellington
      • Unplanned Consequences? New Zealand's experiment with urban (un)planning and infrastructure implications
      • Reflections on infrastructure, Town and Country planning and intimations of SIA in the late 1970s and early 1980s
      • SIA guidance for infrastructure and economic development projects
      • Scoping in impact assessments for infrastructure projects: Reflections on South African experiences
      • Impact Assessment for Pacific Island Infrastructure
    • Issue #13 Health impact assessment: practice issues >
      • Introduction to health impact assessment: practice issues
      • International Health Impact Assessment – a personal view
      • Use of Health Impact Assessment to develop climate change adaptation plans for health
      • An integrated approach to assessing health impacts
      • Assessing the health and social impacts of transport policies and projects
      • Whither HIA in New Zealand….or just wither?
    • Issue #12 Risk Assessment: Case Studies and Approaches >
      • Introduction
      • Risk Assessment and Impact Assessment : A perspective from Victoria, Australia
      • The New and Adaptive Paradigm Needed to Manage Rising Coastal Risks
      • Reflections on Using Risk Assessments in Understanding Climate Change Adaptation Needs in Te Taitokerau Northland
      • Values-Based Impact Assessment and Emergency Management
      • Certainty about Communicating Uncertainty: Assessment of Flood Loss and Damage
      • Improving Understanding of Rockfall Geohazard Risk in New Zealand
      • Normalised New Zealand Natural Disaster Insurance Losses: 1968-2019
      • Houston, We Have a Problem - Seamless Integration of Weather and Climate Forecast for Community Resilience
      • Innovating with Online Data to Understand Risk and Impact in a Data Poor Environment
    • Impact Connector #11 Climate Change Mitigation, Adaptation, and Impact Assessment: views from the Pacific >
      • Introduction
      • Climate change adaptation and mitigation, impact assessment, and decision-making: a Pacific perspective
      • Climate adaptation and impact assessment in the Pacific: overview of SPREP-sponsored presentations
      • Land and Sea: Integrated Assessment of the Temaiku Land and Urban Development Project in Kiribati
      • Strategic Environmental Assessment: Rising to the SDG Challenge
      • Coastal Engineering for Climate Change Resilience in Eastern Tongatapu, Tonga
      • Climate-induced Migration in the Pacific: The Role of New Zealand
    • Impact Connector #10 Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation >
      • Introduction
      • Is a “just transition” possible for Māori?
      • Adapting to Climate Change on Scale: Addressing the Challenge and Understanding the Impacts of Asia Mega-Cities
      • How responding to climate change might affect health, for better or for worse
      • Kanuka, Kereru and carbon capture - Assessing the effects of a programme taking a fresh look at the hill and high country land resource
      • Wairoa: Community perceptions of increased afforestation
      • Te Kākahu Kahukura Ecological Restoration project: A story within a story
    • Issue #9 Impacts of Covid-19 >
      • Introduction to Impact Connector Issue 9 – Impact assessment and Covid 19
      • Covid-19 fast-track consenting: climate change legacy key to success
      • Tourism – the long haul ahead
      • Making sense of the impact of Covid-19: planning, politics, and the public good
    • Issue #8 Social Impact Assessment >
      • Challenges for Social Impact Assessment in New Zealand: looking backwards and looking forwards
      • Insights from the eighties: early Social Impact Assessment reports on rural community dynamics
      • Impact Assessment and the Capitals Framework: A Systems-based Approach to Understanding and Evaluating Wellbeing
      • Building resilience in Rural Communities – a focus on mobile population groups
      • Assessing the Impacts of a New Cycle Trail: A Fieldnote
      • The challenges of a new biodiversity strategy for social impact assessment (SIA)
      • “Say goodbye to traffic”? The role of SIA in establishing whether ‘air taxis’ are the logical next step in the evolution of transportation
    • Issue #7 Ecological Impact Assessment >
      • The future of Ecological Impact Assessment in New Zealand
      • Ecological impact assessment and roading projects
      • EcIA and the Resource Management Act
      • Professional Practice and implementation of EcIA
      • EcIA in the Marine Environment
    • Issue #6 Landscape Assessment >
      • Introduction
      • Lives and landscapes: who cares, what about, and does it matter?
      • Regional Landscape Inconsistency
      • Landscape management in the new world order
      • Landscape assessment and the Environment Court
      • Natural character assessments and provisions in a coastal environment
      • The Assessment and Management of Amenity
      • The rise of the THIMBY
      • Landscape - Is there a common understanding of the Common?
    • Issue #5 Cultural Impact Assessment >
      • Introduction
      • Potential of Cultural Impact Assessment
      • The Mitigation Dilemma
      • CIA and decision-making
      • Insights and observations on CIA
      • Achieving sustainability through CIA
      • CIA - Enhancing or diminishing mauri?
      • Strategic Indigenous Impact Assessment?
    • Issue #4 Marine Environment >
      • Introduction
      • Iwi, Impact Assessment and Marine Environment
      • Sea-Bed Mining Application in Taranaki
      • The wreck of the MV Rena
      • High Court RMA Controls on Fishing
      • Initiatives in the Pacific Islands
      • SEA in an NZ context
    • Issue #3 Strategic Environmental Assessment
    • Issue #2
    • Issue #1
  • Resources
    • Webinars
    • IAIA Resources
    • United Nations Guidance
    • Donors Guidelines and Principles
    • Oceania and the Pacific
    • Natural Systems >
      • Biodiversity & Ecosystem Services
      • Agriculture & Food Systems
      • Water Management
    • Social Impact Assessment
    • Health Impact Assessment >
      • Climate Change & Health
      • Air Quality Impact Assessment
    • Cumulative Impact Assessment
    • Community and Stakeholder Engagement
    • Indigenous Peoples
    • Climate Change and Disaster Risk Resilience >
      • Adaptation Planning
      • Nature-based Solutions
    • Urban Development
    • Sustainable Development Goals
    • Strategic Environmental Assessment
    • Regulatory Impact Assessment
    • Methods in Impact Assessment
  • Community
    • Membership Directory
    • News
    • Policy Submissions >
      • Submissions
    • Courses
  • 2025 Calendar Year Membership Subscription Renewal