Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is development that leaves biodiversity in a better state than before. It is also an approach where developers work with local governments, wildlife groups, landowners and other stakeholders in order to support their priorities for nature conservation.
Mandatory (or statutory) BNG is a provision in the Environment Act 2021 that requires development in England to result in more or better-quality natural habitats than before. Note: other UK nations are considering similar approaches e.g. in Wales, Net Benefit for Biodiversity (NBB). Measures to deliver net gain increase the quantity and/or quality of natural capital and can therefore also deliver gains in ecosystem services. (CIRIA, CIEEM, and IEMA, 2019)
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