Technical Working Group
Metrics
The Metrics Technical Working Group aims to evaluate the different metrics that should be used to assess the positive and negative impacts of offshore wind developments on biodiversity, and thus their potential to deliver Nature Positive outcomes aligned to emerging guidance from IUCN.
To achieve high-integrity contributions to the Nature-Positive goal, offshore wind projects need to understand how to operationalise effective approaches at a site level, either for individual projects or across a portfolio of projects. This includes a need for offshore wind projects to go beyond “impact reduction” and bring measurable and sustainable improvements to the state of nature, integrating the benefits of diverse values of nature to people. This requires promoting robust outcomes with measurable net results for biodiversity, notably through improving the health, abundance, diversity, integrity and resilience of species and ecosystems that help maintain natural processes.
The focus is not only on supporting consistency between projects and developers, but also on enabling the potential for cross-sector collaboration on this agenda.
Objectives
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Provide technical advice and guidance
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Identify research and evidence-based knowledge gaps if/where appropriate
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Represent the Metrics TWG at events taking place at relevant international meetings (e.g. IUCN World Conservation Congress, CBD COP, UNFCCC COP, etc.)
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Introduce an overarching framework that can be used to apply the guidance documents and information
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Support test pilots.
Methodology
The group will employ a collaborative approach to:
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Review the current biodiversity metrics being applied for offshore wind developments
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Engage with experts to understand the complexities of measuring and enhancing biodiversity
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Design an overarching framework with supporting consensus and application of indicators and metrics, and
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Convene stakeholder consultancy and participation to inform and enhance the framework.
Members
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Dr. Nicholas Macfarlane (Co-Chair), Head of Conservation Science & Technology, IUCN
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Dr. Rachel Asante-Owuso (Co-Chair), Senior Programme Coordinator, Just Transition (Energy), IUCN
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Joe Demel, Nature Strategy Manager, SSE Renewables
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Adrián Maté, Environmental Coordinator, Renewables Grid Initiative
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Dr. Frants Jensen, Senior Scientist, Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University
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Dr. Aonghais Cook, Principal Consultant, The Biodiversity Consultancy
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Dr. Thea Pisani Fraser, Marine Biodiversity Lead, SSE Renewables
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Cat Hemmingsen, Senior Biodiversity Advisor, Ørsted
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Tris Allinson, Senior Conservation Scientist, BirdLife International
Get in touch
Stay updated with this Technical Working Group and get invited to future GINGR events by emailing info@gingr.org