Using a system of ecosystem service credits and debits allows for exchanges of new conservation activities to zero out the anticipated negative ecological impacts of human activities on the landscape.  In some circumstances, ecosystem offsets are designed to result in an overall biodiversity gain. Offsetting is generally considered the final stage in a mitigation hierarchy, whereby predicted impacts must first be demonstrated to maximize avoidance, then minimize unavoidable impacts before any remaining impacts are offset. The mitigation hierarchy is a step-down approach designed to deliver on the environmental policy principle of "No Net Loss."  Endangered species and habitat offset solutions developed to meet United States regulatory requirements and facilitate the effective permitting of ecological impacts have been in place for decades. This method of exchanging ecosystem credits for like debits can benefit the Environmental Protection Agency’s Endangered Species Act Section 7 pesticide consultations with the USFWS and NMFS. The consultation process is simplified when the proposed impacts are evaluated in concert with proposed high quality, assured offsets of a similar type and duration.  This presentation will provide an overview of current habitat offset solutions and how private investment implements restoration and preservation projects that allow private companies and public agencies an opportunity to comply with environmental laws, regulations, policies and guidelines with a cost-effective, environmentally superior outcome. Highlights of the presentation include an overview of current ecosystem market offset solutions available and how these current private market mechanisms can provide solutions for both voluntary and regulated actions facing the crop protection industry. Real world examples from significant projects in California will be highlighted in the presentation.

How ecosystem services credit exchanges allow private companies and public agencies an opportunity to comply with environmental laws, regulations, policies and guidelines with a cost-effective, environmentally superior outcome

2019 Fall National Meeting

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