Project R-13054

Individual-based Value Assessment of Biodiversity in Policy Implementation (INVABIO) (Research)

The central objective of INVABIO is to strengthen biodiversity policies by tackling the implementation gap resulting from the complexity of assessing case-specific biodiversity impacts in permitting and sanctioning decisions. INVABIO will develop a novel value assessment framework that focusses on individual specimens or habitats to qualitatively and quantitatively assess impact gravity. Hence, we merge ecological, legal and economic perspectives into a unified interdisciplinary INVABIO framework aimed at increasing the effective implementation of biodiversity conservation law. As a secondary objective, INVABIO will address the lack of detailed information on value assessment practices in permitting and sanctioning decisions by a coordinated data collection effort for Flanders and create a unique picture of the practical implementation of EU biodiversity legislation. We will evaluate and compare legally allowed (permitted) and illegal (sanctioned) actions in terms of their true biodiversity impacts. Combining the INVABIO framework with the current assessment strategies will allow us to identify the dominant perspectives used, comment on the scientific validity of these strategies and formulate promising avenues for improvement. INVABIO allows to identify priority areas for a better execution of biodiversity policies and to develop strategic guidelines for policymakers. Throughout we will be attentive to the applicability of research outcomes to other EU countries. As to dissemination and valorization, INVABIO will construct a web platform which will bring together the different insights and outcomes. The INVABIO web platform will act as a decision support tool for regulatory authorities involved in implementing biodiversity-related legislation by providing access to a unique dataset. Moreover, and based on the INVABIO framework, an interactive tool will allow users to retrieve specific and science-based guidelines for assessing the gravity of biodiversity impacts.

01 October 2022 - 30 September 2026