Biodiversity Offsets
One example of an environmental offset (Ecological Australia, n.d.)
In some instances, destruction of an ecosystem as part of the mining operation may be unavoidable. In these instances, an offset will be provided, to try and minimise the impact on the biodiversity of an ecosystem as a result of the mining operation. It should be clear that this is only considered as a last resort, and only after all other efforts to protect the biodiversity have been exhausted, however sometimes it is unavoidable.
Implementation
Essentially a biodiversity offset involves payment and support towards protecting biodiversity in a given area (ICCM, n.d.). Any offset strategy needs to be carefully planned so that it can be effective and beneficial, and not cause any more harm as a result. EMM Resources biodiversity offset strategy, only to be used when there is no alternative, has several key factors to ensure effective implementation:
- The chosen site should be as ecologically similar to the site being replaced as possible, and have as little potential threats as possible (ICCM, n.d.). in doing this, species are given an greater opportunity to re-establish themselves in a similar environment to the previous site.
- The habitat provided will also be of the same size of the area removed, or larger in an effort to ensure the there is no net loss as a result, and that there is a potential for a gain for biodiversity in the area. Offset areas are to be created based on a principle of “like for like or better,” (ICCM, n.d., p. 100).
- Where possible, EMM Resources will construct these offsets in a suitable area as close to the original site as is possible in order to offset the original impact on biodiversity within the area.
- In forming the offset area, the biological criteria is the primary consideration of EMM Resources offset strategy (ICCM, n.d.). The focus must be on recreating the biodiversity residing within the original location, otherwise the offset strategy is meaningless, and there is little opportunity for it to be enduring, which will result in a biological loss.
- EMM Resources will seek professional input and comprehensive research in creating an environment allowing the original biodiversity to re-establish itself.
Evaluation
Another example of an environmental offset (The Conversation, 2011)
EMM Resources will ensure the effectiveness of this strategy by working closely with a related local conservation body. This relationship will ensure that a degree of independence is participating, who will make decisions based on the best biological interests. This strategy will be evaluated based on criteria concerned with how well the offset area has reformed the original biodiversity, including:
- The number of species
- Diversity of species resettled
- Percentage of those found in the original site.
References
Ecological Australia. (n.d.). EPBC Act Offsets Guide.
Retrieved May 21, 2013, from
http://www.ecoaus.com.au/services/environmental-offsets/epbc-act-offsets-guide/
ICCM. (n.d.). Good Practice Guidance for Mining and Biodiversity. Retrieved May 19, 2013, from
www.icmm.com/document/13
The Conservation. (2011). Biodiversity offsets: solving the habitat-saving equation. Retrieved May 21, 2013, from
http://theconversation.com/biodiversity-offsets-solving-the-habitat-saving-equation-4035
http://www.ecoaus.com.au/services/environmental-offsets/epbc-act-offsets-guide/
ICCM. (n.d.). Good Practice Guidance for Mining and Biodiversity. Retrieved May 19, 2013, from
www.icmm.com/document/13
The Conservation. (2011). Biodiversity offsets: solving the habitat-saving equation. Retrieved May 21, 2013, from
http://theconversation.com/biodiversity-offsets-solving-the-habitat-saving-equation-4035