Implementing biodiversity compliance programs and restoration projects

September 6, 2024

Many companies today are shifting from a reporting-driven approach to sustainability to a project-driven approach, including the implementation of biodiversity programs that seek to conserve and enhance the variety and abundance of species that may exist near operational sites. From both a legal[i] and operational perspective, we believe that biodiversity programs are an essential component for multinational companies, particularly those in the extractive industries, to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices and mitigate, through proactive measures, any negative impacts they may have on biodiversity and local communities. Based on our previous experience implementing and evaluating biodiversity compliance programs and restoration projects, we include below a few key steps for consideration.

• Identification of biodiversity hotspots

Biodiversity hotspots are areas with high levels of biodiversity deemed crucial for the conservation of species and habitats. These can include areas that have a high number of endemic species (species found only in that area), threatened or endangered species or unique ecosystems. Identifying biodiversity hotspots allows companies to focus their efforts and resources on areas that require the most attention. One of the main ways that companies can do this is through conducting risk-mapping exercises for biodiversity hotspots, which then form the basis for program and project design.

• Conducting biodiversity assessments

Biodiversity assessments involve systematic and detailed surveys to gather data on species, populations, and ecosystems within a targeted area, most likely in a location that is adjacent to or otherwise impacted by industrial activities. Conducted in coordination with engineers, agronomists and environmental specialists, these assessments can identify key species or habitats at risk, providing critical information to guide conservation decisions and prioritize action plans. A company’s initial biodiversity assessments will then form the basis for ongoing mitigation, monitoring and measuring the effectiveness of biodiversity initiatives over the long-term.

• Developing mitigation strategies

Biodiversity assessments also allow industrial actors to develop mitigation strategies aimed at reducing any negative impacts their operations, including through restoring habitats, creating buffer zones and implementing responsible land use practices. One new measure in this sense is the implementation of biodiversity offsets, whereby companies invest in the conservation and restoration of habitats to compensate for any loss or damage caused by their operations. Strategies should be designed not only to mitigate the company’s environmental performance, but also produce concrete results that contribute to nature restoration, reforestation and rewilding as well as long-term prosperity in local communities.

• Continuous monitoring and reporting

Implementing a successful biodiversity compliance program also requires continuous monitoring and reporting on progress and results. This includes tracking species abundance, habitat quality and evaluating the effectiveness of mitigation strategies. Regular reporting can include reports, presentations and data collection, as well as audio-visual elements that track project implementation status and allow for greater transparency and accountability to internal and external stakeholders.

• Engaging with communities and stakeholders

Indeed, local communities and stakeholders play a critical role in biodiversity conservation efforts for many reasons, including their knowledge and understanding of the environment, species, history and habitats. Communities are important partners in any biodiversity program, and should be included not only in the analytical process, but also in the implementation of programs and projects through notifications, consultations and joint workshops and trainings. Equally, conservation organisations can provide valuable input on mitigation strategies or other initiatives such joint reforestation, rewilding or restoration projects.

• Making biodiversity part of corporate governance

We believe that implementing a successful biodiversity compliance program requires a holistic approach that involves identifying hotspots, conducting regular assessments, developing mitigation strategies, continuous monitoring and reporting, and engaging with local communities and stakeholders. It should be something that is not only confirmed in policies and procedures, but also proved through concrete projects developed to restore nature and communities. We would be pleased to share additional information and case studies about the projects that VIVACE has assisted over the last three years.

CPM

[i] There are a number of policy frameworks that support the implementation of biodiversity compliance programs, including the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Guidelines for Applying Protected Area Management Categories, the EU Nature Restoration Regulation, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) including in particular goals six, thirteen, fourteen, fifteen and seventeen.