What is an accredited assessor?
Accredited assessors are people who have been formally accredited to apply the Biodiversity Assessment Method and prepare Biodiversity Assessment Reports.
Biodiversity Assessment Reports are:
- Biodiversity Development Assessment Reports
- Biodiversity Stewardship Site Assessment Reports
- Biodiversity Certification Assessment Reports.
The Environment Agency Head accredits assessors under the Accreditation Scheme for the Application of the Biodiversity Assessment Method Order 2017.
To gain accreditation, assessors must:
- demonstrate appropriate knowledge, skills and experience, including academic qualifications and relevant work experience
- successfully complete the accredited assessor training course.
Accredited assessor must be a fit and proper person and follow a code of conduct.
When an accredited assessor is needed
You require an accredited assessor to apply the Biodiversity Assessment Method if:
- the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme applies to your development, clearing or activity
- you are a landholder who wants to enter into a Biodiversity Stewardship Agreement to generate biodiversity credits by conserving land
- you wish to apply for biodiversity certification of land.
Your accredited assessor will apply the Biodiversity Assessment Method and produce the relevant Biodiversity Assessment Report.
Other ecologists
Suitably qualified ecological consultants who are not accredited assessors can undertake other work related to the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (NSW), such as:
- carrying out a test of significance
- determining whether the impact of a proposal exceeds the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme thresholds.
Learn more about the threatened species test of significance at When the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme applies.