About the Biodiversity Assessment Method
The Biodiversity Assessment Method 2020 (BAM) came into force on 22 October 2020. The BAM provides a consistent method to assess biodiversity values at impact sites as well as stewardship sites.
The Biodiversity Assessment Method must be applied by an accredited assessor to prepare a valid Biodiversity Assessment Report. Find an accredited assessor.
The Biodiversity Assessment Method provides:
- guidance on how a proponent can avoid and minimise potential biodiversity impacts
- a consistent method for assessing biodiversity values and impacts from a proposed development (including major projects), activity, clearing or biodiversity certification
- a consistent method for assessing improvements in biodiversity values from management actions undertaken at a stewardship site, quantified in biodiversity credits
- the number and class of biodiversity credits that need to be offset by a specific project to achieve a standard of ‘no net loss’ of biodiversity.
The BAM assesses impacts on, and gains in, biodiversity in terms of ecosystem credits and species credits.
Background and updates to the Biodiversity Assessment Method
The BAM is based on over 25 years of offsetting experience in New South Wales and Australia, stakeholder feedback and national and international scientific literature. The BAM came into force in 2017 with the commencement of the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme and was updated in 2020.
For information about the Biodiversity Assessment Method and updates see: