Abstract
The rapid expansion of offshore renewable energy is critical to achieving global decarbonisation goals. However, this growth must be aligned with efforts to halt and reverse biodiversity loss. This whitepaper presents a comprehensive roadmap for delivering Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) in the offshore renewables sector, supporting the ambitions of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) and the Sustainable Development Goals.
We begin by clarifying key concepts—No Net Loss, Net Gain, Nature-Positive, and the Mitigation Hierarchy—and emphasizing the importance of consistent terminology to avoid misapplication and confusion. We outline the unique challenges of implementing BNG in marine environments, including limited baseline data, monitoring difficulties, restoration feasibility, and regulatory complexity. Despite these challenges, the marine realm offers significant opportunities for biodiversity enhancement, particularly in degraded ecosystems.
We propose a structured roadmap detailing the steps required to achieve BNG:
• Prioritisation of biodiversity values
• Selection of appropriate metrics and indicators
• Establishment of baselines and targets
• Monitoring and adaptive management
• Transparent reporting and disclosure
We provide practical examples of Net Gain actions—such as shellfish restoration, eco-friendly scour protection, and marine litter removal—and link these to measurable indicators. We also highlight the importance of aligning monitoring with existing regulatory requirements to ensure cost-effectiveness and consistency.
Achieving BNG will require collaboration across developers, regulators, NGOs, academia, investors, and technology providers. Ambitious yet realistic targets, supported by robust monitoring and transparent data sharing, are needed in order to build trust and avoid accusations of greenwashing.
In conclusion, while offshore renewables are not the primary driver of marine biodiversity loss, their projected expansion presents both risks and unprecedented opportunities. By adopting the principles and practices outlined in this roadmap, the sector can play a pivotal role in restoring marine ecosystems and delivering Nature-Positive outcomes.