The role of business in biodiversity and impact assessment

Abstract

Much has been done in recent years to generate international policy frameworks that promote the integration of biodiversity into impact assessment (Ramsar Convention, Resolution VIII.9 (2002), Convention on Biological Diversity, Decision VI-7 (2002), and the Convention on Migratory Species Resolution 7.2 (2002), but effective implementation of these frameworks remains a challenge. While implementation of international policy is ultimately the responsibility of the national governments who have signed up to the conventions, others also have a role to play in translating policy commitments into action on the ground. This paper explores how the business community could play a role in moving towards implementing biodiversity and impact assessment policy.

Keywords:

• business
• biodiversity
• impact assessment
• business case
• business drivers
• environmental impact assessment