Current statuses of “Biodiversity Offsets” and “Biodiversity Banking” in Germany

Abstract

To identify possibility of biodiversity banking in Japan, we researched banking systems in Germany where the system is very active other than USA. According to results, we found three points which would accelerate introduction of the system into Japan. First point is that “compensation,” as the last resort in mitigation hierarchy, can be paid by money. Second point is that majority of banks are operated by local governments. These points are similar to in-lieu fee program in USA. Third point is that simple quantitative evaluation methods are used to assess “no net loss.” Although it is not appropriate to assess impacts only by vegetation in Japan where habitats are fragmented, simplicity and adaptability will be important.