Author/Contact:
Sanne Vammen Larsen (AAU)
Aalborg University (AAU)
Instituto Superior Técnico (IST-ID)
Resource description:
This resource presents the results of a benchmark of best practices for integrating biodiversity in Environmental Assessment Instruments (EAIs), such as Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA). It supports transformative change in spatial policy and planning through enhanced biodiversity consideration when using EAI. The benchmark consists of 10 thematic areas, each with specific indicators, addressing the role of EA, significance of biodiversity impacts, types of knowledge used, synergies and trade-offs, ecosystem services, goals and visions, uncertainty, stakeholder involvement, mitigation and enhancement measures, and monitoring and follow-up. The document details both the rationale and methods for assessing compliance with best practices, using a grounded approach based on a review of twelve international guidance documents. It serves as a tool to measure and improve biodiversity integration in planning processes and environmental decision-making.
DOI reference:
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.7615236