April 2010 - Achieving Real Biodiversity Outcomes Through the EIS Process - Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand

April 2010 - Achieving Real Biodiversity Outcomes Through the EIS Process

Date: Tuesday 20 April 2010
Time: 9.30am - 5.30pm
Venue: Albert Room, Chifley at Lennons
Cost: $345 members, $395 non members and $195 concession

The destruction of natural landscapes for such things as urban housing and mining projects provide environmental managers with seemingly insurmountable challenges when it comes to biodiversity conservation.

The environmental impact statement (EIS), through the inclusion of such management strategies as rehabilitation and offsets, should provide a roadmap for achieving the best possible outcomes for both the proponent and the protection of Australia’s biodiversity.

But is this currently the case?

This forum examined the roles of proponents, regulators and science in the protection of biodiversity through the EIS process.

• What are the current policies and politics affecting biodiversity outcomes in the EIS process?
• Is there a need for an Australian standard for best practice in both the conduct of ecological assessment and the accreditation of ecological practitioners?
• Is current legislation and the implementation of the associated guidelines adequate for achieving real biodiversity outcomes?
• What changes are needed for achieving better biodiversity outcomes through the EIS process?
• What role can EIANZ play in facilitating the development of best practice in ecological impact assessment as a component of the EIS process?