The Mitigation Hierarchy
The mitigation hierarchy is a systematic approach that prioritises actions to avoid, minimise, restore, and lastly, offset the residual impacts of development on biodiversity. This hierarchical order is designed to align with the principles of sustainable development, emphasising the importance of first avoiding and minimising impacts before seeking offsets. Let’s look into it further...
Avoidance. The foundation of the hierarchy lies in avoiding impacts on biodiversity wherever possible. This means careful site selection and project design to sidestep areas of high ecological value or vulnerability.
Minimisation. If avoidance is not entirely feasible, the next step involves minimising adverse impacts. This may entail adjusting project layouts or incorporating green infrastructure to reduce ecological footprints.
Restoration. Should unavoidable impacts occur, the hierarchy encourages restoration efforts. This involves rehabilitating or enhancing ecosystems that have been disturbed, aiming to return them to a state of ecological health and functionality.
Offsetting. As a final measure, after all other avenues have been exhausted, the hierarchy permits offsetting. This involves compensating for residual biodiversity loss by investing in conservation measures elsewhere.
Mitigation Hierarchy in BNG: Application to on and off-site initiatives
Developers undertaking BNG commitments must diligently apply each step to ensure a comprehensive and effective approach. The hierarchy is particularly crucial for on-site BNG delivery. Developers must rigorously adhere to avoidance and minimisation strategies, integrating biodiversity into the development fabric.
For offsite initiatives, the hierarchy remains a consistent guide. Here, the spatial risk multiplier comes into play, a nuanced tool within the mitigation hierarchy that recognises the spatial context of biodiversity and acknowledging that not all habitats are interchangeable.
By embracing the mitigation hierarchy, developers can work on their journey towards sustainable development, in a way that respects and enhances biodiversity. Whether applied on-site or as part of off-site BNG initiatives, this hierarchical framework ensures that every effort is made to minimise and offset the ecological footprint of development projects.
