Abstract
This knowledge sharing paper explores the latest in biodiversity offset strategies, means to address residual environmental impacts, beyond normal reclamation and mitigation. Global oil and gas exploration and production companies must now operate in increasingly challenging and sensitive environments. Creation of effective biodiversity offset strategy portfolios for these environments requires a solid understanding of the physical, chemical, biological, social, regulatory, legal, and economic characteristics of the project and its environs. Tropical rain forest, desert, coral reef, riverine, ocean, and estuarine ecosystems present different biodiversity challenges. Oil and gas companies face increasing pressure to reduce biodiversity impacts, and can now use biodiversity offsets to improve conditions in their areas of operation. A special focus discussion on Caspian Sturgeon biodiversity offset potential is included.
