"No net loss" (NNL) is an environmental policy approach that aims to counterbalance the negative impacts of development projects on the environment by using environmental mitigation measures.[1] For example, the policy aims for no net loss of wetlands in the United States (where it originated) or no net loss of biodiversity in other regions. It is now used in many countries as an objective for biodiversity offsetting,[2] such as in Colombia,[3] France,[4] and Uganda.[5] Its application and feasibility for conserving biodiversity is a subject of debate.
NNL is implemented in planning processes via Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), which assess the potential for significant adverse impacts on the environment resulting from proposed developments and determine how environmental mitigation can be used to reach no net loss.[6] The mitigation hierarchy is generally used as a sequential framework to guide the implementation of measures to achieve NNL.[7] It varies regionally but often includes the steps avoidance, minimisation, restoration, and offsetting.[7]
^Tucker, G.M., Quétier, F. & Wende, W. (2020) Guidance on achieving no net loss or net gain of biodiversity and ecosystem services. Report to the European Commission, DG Environment on Contract ENV.B.2/SER/2016/0018, Institute for European Environmental Policy, Brussels.