In NSW the government has introduced the Biodiversity Offset Scheme (BOS) which includes a robust process to protect important private land with high biodiversity value in perpetuity under an irrevocable bind known as a Biodiversity Stewardship Agreement (BSA). Once land is protected under a BSA, the landowner progressively improves upon the biodiversity value, vegetation condition and habitat potential in accordance with a Management Plan financed through sales of Offset Credits that are provided by the State Government in recognition of the contribution to biodiversity protection. The management costs are released yearly in accordance with annual payments detailed in a costing sheet known as the Total Fund Deposit. This ensures rigorous, objective based management to protect and improve your land.
The BOS introduces an alternative revenue stream for suitable biodiverse land through the sale of Offset Credits. Purchasers of these credits include architects, developers, planners and government organisations who are required to offset any unavoidable impacts they may be having on our environment. Philanthropic organisations and companies aiming high with ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) targets to exemplify how their services contribute to sustainability, are also potential credit purchasers.
The BSA process requires an Accredited Assessor to apply the Biodiversity Assessment Method (BAM) to quantify the biodiversity values present on your land. This involves vegetation plots and can also include targeted flora and fauna survey. The results are presented within a Biodiversity Stewardship Site Assessment Report (BSSAR), along with a Management Plan and costings presented in the Total Fund Deposit.
Lodge Environmental has established over 1,000 ha of land subject to approved BSAs.
Get in touch today if you are interested in protecting biodiversity on your land, coupled with a diversified income stream.
