Biodiversity offsets : investigating the perceived benefits for conservation in South Africa

Abstract

Biodiversity offsets can be defined as conservation actions that compensate for residual significant, adverse, and unavoidable impacts of proposed developments on biodiversity and have been widely applied in South Africa. Biodiversity offsets are applied as a last resort and aim to ensure a ‘no-net loss’ of biodiversity. The potential benefits of biodiversity offsets for biodiversity conservation have long been promoted in literature, however, very few studies have been done concerning the manner and extent to which these benefits have been realised in practice. The aim of this study is, therefore, to investigate the benefits of biodiversity offsets for conservation and explore the manner in which these benefits are being realised. To achieve the aim a questionnaire was developed and administered to individuals with experience in biodiversity offset projects in South Africa and included both government officials and environmental consultants active in the field of biodiversity offsetting. The questionnaire explored perceptions on the benefits of biodiversity offsets for conservation of biodiversity in South Africa. Responses were transcribed and analysed to identify key themes. The findings suggest that biodiversity offsets can offer numerous benefits for conservation and that some are being realised, though challenges such as a policy vacuum, lack of enforcement, lack of capacity, lack of long-term financing and resources exist.