title: Using offsets to mitigate environmental impacts of major projects: A stakeholder analysis.
abstract: Global patterns of development suggest that as more projects are initiated, business will need to find acceptable measures to conserve biodiversity. The application of environmental offsets allows firms to combine their economic interests with the environment and society. This article presents the results of a multi-stakeholder analysis related to the design of offsets principles, policies, and regulatory processes, using a large infrastructure projects context. The results indicate that business was primarily interested in using direct offsets and other compensatory measures, known internationally as indirect offsets, to acquit their environmental management obligations. In contrast, the environmental sector argued that highly principled and scientifically robust offsets programs should be implemented and maintained for enduring environmental protection. Stakeholder consensus stressed the importance of offsets registers with commensurate monitoring and enforcement. Our findings provide instructive insights into the countervailing views of offsets policy stakeholders.
authors.affiliation: The Australian National University, Australia. Electronic address: nigel.martin@anu.edu.au.
authors.forename: Nigel
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.affiliation: The Australian National University, Australia.
authors.forename: Megan
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Evans
authors.affiliation: The University of New England, Australia.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rice
authors.affiliation: The University of South Australia, Australia.
authors.forename: Sumit
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lodhia
authors.affiliation: The Australian National University, Australia.
authors.forename: Philip
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Gibbons
mesh_terms: D001315:Australia; D044822:Biodiversity; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources / Q000379:methods*; D017753:Ecosystem; D004777:Environment; D058735:Environmental Policy; D006801:Humans
keywords: Biodiversity; Business; Development projects; Environmental offsets; Management; Policy