Biodiversity net gain: The key to sustainable farming?

In today’s world, the need for sustainable development is more pressing than ever. While economic growth is essential, it cannot come at the cost of environmental degradation. Biodiversity net gain (BNG) is a concept that aims to address this issue. By preserving and enhancing biodiversity, the concept of BNG not only sustains the natural world but also delivers long-term benefits for farm owners.

The significance of biodiversity net gain on sustainable farming

In this blog, we explore biodiversity net gain and its significance for sustainable farming.

What is biodiversity net gain?

Biodiversity net gain means that any farming (or other industrial application) leaves the environment in a better state than before. The Government wants BNG applied across all industrial and development enterprises to challenge the way things have traditionally been done and introduce change that improves our natural world. The key idea behind BNG is to deliver a measurable increase in biodiversity and habitat improvement. It goes beyond simple compensation for any ecological loss. BNG strategies requires any activity to adopt a long-term approach, incorporating biodiversity protections and enhancements into any land development or restoration project. Successful BNG results in no net loss of nature, and improves and protects the natural world that is essential for the survival of all life on this Planet.

Why is biodiversity net gain important for farm owners?

BNG is important for farm owners as it delivers environmental and social benefits as well as economic value. The loss of biodiversity can have severe economic consequences for famers. For example, a reduction in pollinators can reduce crop yields, while soil degradation (including compaction below the plough level) can affect the productivity of agricultural land. BNG can reduce these risks by enhancing ecological resilience, improving soil health, and increasing crop yields. Moreover, investment in BNG can improve the reputation and social license of the farm business as well as attract new customers interested in sustainable sourcing. This can lead to new partnership opportunities and increased revenue.

How can biodiversity net gain be implemented on farmland?

The implementation of biodiversity net gain can be facilitated through the implementation of sustainable land use practices such as agroforestry, intercropping, new crop utilisation, habitat conservation, and restoration, among others. The process prioritizes the retention of existing ecosystems and enhances biodiversity through habitat creation, restoration, and enhancement. Farmers can implement BNG through measures such as reduced pesticide use, using green manures, natural predation, maintaining or enhancing pollinator habitat, the incorporation of flowering habitats, the management of water resources, and changing livestock housing and grazing patterns (where climate and soil allows) to name a few actions.

What challenges arise from implementing BNG?

Farmers face a range of challenges when implementing biodiversity net gain, such as the need for additional funding to cover the costs of implementing biodiversity plans, lack of knowledge of best practices and how to assign benefits and costs of implementation, or dealing with the uncertainty and long-term financial risks. In addition there is probably going to be a large element of trial and error as farmers work out what practices work best on the land and climate they have in their own location. If farmers can pool experience, knowledge grows. Appropriate forums for sharing thoughts and experiences would be enormously helpful. Alternatively, they can access available Government-led initiatives that encourage the implementation of BNG.

Conclusion

Biodiversity net gain is a new approach that is becoming increasingly important to ensure sustainable farming. It offers a framework for balancing the economic needs of a farm with the importance of environmental preservation. In turn, promoting BNG measures in farms exposes the farmers to new opportunities and has many advantages, including societal and economic benefits. By enhancing biodiversity on their land, farmers can improve resilience on their farms. The entire planet benefits when the farmland is managed sustainably. Therefore, whatever it takes to support BNG on farms is worth it.

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