METHODOLOGY FOR ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF INVESTMENT PROJECTS ON ECOSYSTEM SERVICES FLOWS AND BIODIVERSITY

Abstract

Degradation of ecosystems and loss of biodiversity is one of the most serious risks to sustainable economic development. The capacity of the ecosystem to provide ecosystem services, which are a key element of the sustainable development agenda, is declining. This affects companies and can lead to physical, transition and systemic risks for investors. Analysis of impacts on biodiversity in the evaluation of investment projects, impacts on biodiversity in areas such as agriculture, fisheries, energy, transport, is carried out with the aim of developing design solutions that contribute to reducing negative impacts on the flows of ecosystem services and biodiversity. An assessment of the impact of design decisions on ecosystems and biodiversity shows how an investment project can have an impact on biodiversity in both the long and short term. The integration of indicators of the impact of investment decisions on ecosystem services and biodiversity flows is essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. The author emphasizes that biodiversity mainstreaming can occur and/or take place at different ecosystem scales.  The purpose of this article is to provide a methodological framework for assessing the impact of investment projects on ecosystem services flows and biodiversity. Biodiversity Impact Assessment provides an opportunity to incorporate ecosystem and biodiversity indicators into the assessment methodologies for inversion projects. The author emphasizes that biodiversity impact assessment is the first step in the process of integrating biodiversity indicators into corporate sustainable development strategies. Other important steps include the development of biodiversity policies, and the development of long-term corporate goals for natural capital and biodiversity.