RT Generic T1 No Net Loss of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services: Applying the Mitigation Hierarchy and Biodiversity Offsets - Briefing A1 Wildlife Conservation Society, Madagascar & Western Indian Ocean Program K1 biological diversity K1 sustainable development K1 Indian Ocean region K1 marine resource PB United Nations Environment Programme SN Not Available YR 2018 FD 2018 LK https://wedocs.unep.org/handle/20.500.11822/25692 UL https://wedocs.unep.org/handle/20.500.11822/25692 NO This briefing paper outlines a structured approach to balancing economic development with environmental conservation across the Western Indian Ocean region. Marine ecosystems, which support local livelihoods, face escalating degradation from industrial expansion, infrastructure development, and climate change. To counter these pressures, the document evaluates the implementation of the mitigation hierarchy and no net loss principles, drawing on regional examples from Mozambique and Madagascar. It identifies critical governance gaps, regulatory inconsistencies, and capacity constraints as primary barriers to effective environmental management. Ultimately, the text establishes that institutionalising coordinated spatial planning and standardized financing mechanisms is essential for safeguarding regional biodiversity. DS UN Environment Document Repository RD Sep 24, 2026