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Challenges of achieving biodiversity offset outcomes through agri-environmental schemes: Evidence from an empirical study in Southern France

(), Volume 163, pp. 113-125

 Présentation (FED) : L’article analyse les opportunités et les défis de la mise en œuvre de la compensation écologique en impliquant les agriculteurs à travers des contrats s'apparentant à des programmes agro-environnementaux pour obtenir des bénéfices écologiques. Les auteurs examinent l'efficacité dd’un de ces programmes à travers une enquête menée auprès de 145 agriculteurs. Les principaux déterminants de leur acceptabilité sont : i) les facteurs socio-économiques, ii) les normes sociales, iii) la confiance avec les institutions contractantes et iv) la facilité d'intégration dans les activités agricoles. Ils expriment de grandes inquiétudes sur les effets d'aubaine, la permanence à long terme des bénéfices et le non-respect des exigences du contrat.

Abstract (authors) : Biodiversity offsetting (BO) claims to slow down biodiversity loss caused by development projects by generating ecological gains mainly through restoration activities conducted on land acquired to this effect. This leads to social conflicts around accessing land, especially with farmers and other land-users. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the opportunities and challenges of implementing BO by involving farmers through contracts akin to agri-environmental or stewardship schemes to produce ecological gains. We call them Agri-environmental Biodiversity Offsets Schemes (ABOS) and conduct an empirical analysis of a large ABOS program implemented for a new railway line in Southern France. We examine the effectiveness of ABOS through a survey carried out with 145 farmers and find that the main determinants of ABOS acceptability are: i) socio-economic factors, ii) social norms, iii) trust with contracting institutions, and iv) ease of integration in farm activities. Although ABOS allow developers to meet their legal requirements, major concerns are raised about additionality, especially through the manifestation of windfall effects, long-term permanence, and non-compliance with contract requirements. We conclude with policy recommendations and research perspectives to improve the implementation of ABOS for both nature and people.

Lien : https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0921800918308905