Human activity is one of the main drivers of biodiversity and ecosystems decline. Policy instruments such as environmental impact assessment and strategic environmental assessment aim to manage human impact on the environment, while interventions like protected areas and biodiversity offsets seek to contribute to biodiversity conservation. We have multiple research projects studying the impact of (or changes attributable to) various types of conservation interventions and policies.  Our research examines whether policy instruments and interventions achieve their intended goals, and investigate ways in which they could be improved.

Examples of questions we are currently working on:

• How can we predict the net outcomes of biodiversity offset policies that account for the losses of biodiversity from development and the gains associated offsets? (Ascelin Gordon, Senior Research Fellow)
• In modelling the growth of Sydney and associated biodiversity offsets, how does this impact the endangered Cumberland Plain Woodlands community? (Ascelin Gordon, Senior Research Fellow)
• What difference are various mechanisms for conservation on private land (such conservation covenants) having in reducing biodiversity loss? (Ascelin Gordon)
• What are the tradeoffs and synergies between biodiversity and ecosystem services in the context of offsetting? (Ascelin Gordon)
• What are the impacts of protected areas on environmental and social outcomes? (Roshan Sharma, PhD Candidate)
• What outcomes, opportunities and risks does strategic environmental assessment present to biodiversity and ecosystem services? (Marco Gutierrez, PhD Candidate)

For collaboration or further information about current projects under this theme please contact the relevant lab member above. 

This theme is supported by an ARC Discovery Project: Evaluating environment policy that has immediate costs but long-term gains.