Author/Contact:
Yuanzao Zhu (UFZ); Heidi Wittmer (UFZ); Karla Locher-Krause (UFZ)
Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ)
Resource description:
This deliverable analyses how economic and financial instruments (E&FIs) can contribute to biodiversity outcomes within spatial planning processes. By exploring 24 generic E&FIs, the report assesses their characteristics, biodiversity impacts, and relevance to spatial planning, while identifying how such instruments can support transformative change in alignment with the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030.
E&FIs—such as taxes, subsidies, biodiversity offsets, ecological fiscal transfers, and payments for ecosystem services—are evaluated along the mitigation hierarchy (avoid, minimise, restore, offset) and across different sectors, including agriculture, forestry, tourism, and construction. The report examines the conditions under which these instruments are commonly designed for or implemented, including land ownership, policy levels, financing sources, and stakeholder roles.
The document also maps the integration potential of E&FIs into each phase of the spatial planning cycle. Some instruments promote early-stage precaution (e.g., auctions), others focus on remediation (e.g., habitat banking), while others raise awareness (e.g., environmental education). By highlighting these connections, the report illustrates how E&FIs can help internalise biodiversity values, influence behaviour, and enhance cross-sectoral collaboration.
Ultimately, the report offers a foundational analysis to support the future development of guidelines for integrating E&FIs in spatial planning under a transformative change framework. It targets policymakers, planners, and financial stakeholders aiming to operationalise biodiversity goals through coherent and effective economic mechanisms.
DOI reference:
10.5281/zenodo.7799488