Biodiversity net gain (BNG)

Definition

The following organizations and documents define biodiversity net gain as...

"Net gains are additional conservation outcomes that can be achieved for the biodiversity values for which the critical habitat was designated. Net gains may be achieved through the development of a biodiversity offset." 1

IFC (2019) 1

"A goal for a development project, policy, plan or activity in which the impacts on biodiversity it causes are outweighed by measures taken to avoid and minimise the impacts, to restore affected areas and finally to offset the residual impacts, to the extent that the gain exceeds the loss." 2

BBOP (2018) 2

"Biodiversity Net Gain is development that leaves biodiversity in a better state than before. It is also an approach where developers work with local governments, wildlife groups, land owners and other stakeholders in order to support their priorities for nature conservation." 3

Baker (2016) 3

"Additional conservation outcomes that can be achieved for the biodiversity values. Net gains may be achieved through the development of a biodiversity offset and/or the implementation of programs to enhance habitat, and protect and conserve biodiversity." 4 

IFC (2012) 4