Earth Day 2023
One of the most pressing issues facing our planet today is the loss of biodiversity. Urbanisation and industrialisation have led to the rapid destruction of natural habitats and a decline in biodiversity.
However, in recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the need to protect and enhance biodiversity. Legal measures such as the Environment Act 2021 (which has made delivering Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) a mandatory requirement for all developers that require planning permission), make it clear that protecting and enhancing biodiversity is not just an ethical imperative, but a legal requirement that must be taken seriously by all developers and land managers.
However, in recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the need to protect and enhance biodiversity. Legal measures such as the Environment Act 2021 (which has made delivering Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) a mandatory requirement for all developers that require planning permission), make it clear that protecting and enhancing biodiversity is not just an ethical imperative, but a legal requirement that must be taken seriously by all developers and land managers.
Embracing BNG is essential for several reasons and (not just a legal obligation), it can help to mitigate the negative impact of development on biodiversity. By ensuring that development projects have a positive impact on biodiversity, BNG can help to reduce the overall loss caused by human activities. This, in turn, can help to maintain healthy ecosystems, which provide essential services such as clean air and water, nutrient cycling, and pollination.
BNG can also contribute to the resilience of ecosystems. By increasing the overall amount of biodiversity in a given area, it can help to make ecosystems more robust and better able to cope with environmental stresses such as flooding and soil erosion, which, in turn, can help to avoid costly damage to property and infrastructure. By committing to delivering BNG, developers can also show their stakeholders that they care about the environment and are taking steps to reduce their environmental impact.
Integrated Land Management (ILM) offer a holistic approach to land management that seeks to integrate the needs of people, the environment, and the economy. ILM can help developers to identify their opportunities for offsite biodiversity enhancement opportunities and implementation. We can also ensure that these measures are effective and sustainable. This is important because BNG is not just about planting a few trees or creating a small pond. It requires a long-term commitment to biodiversity enhancement and the implementation of measures that are tailored to the specific needs of the site and the local ecology.
By delivering biodiversity net gain, developers can play a crucial role in preserving and restoring natural habitats, ensuring the survival of species, and building a sustainable future for us all. On this Earth Day, let us continue to work together to embrace the power of BNG and create a world where biodiversity thrives, and the environment is preserved for generations to come.
Developers who are serious about sustainability and creating a better future for all are encouraged to get in touch with ILM to successfully deliver their BNG requirements.
