Developing an offsetting programme: tensions, dilemmas and difficulties in biodiversity market-making in England

摘要: In 2011, the UK government set in motion a process to establish formal biodiversity offsetting programme England, as an attempt tackle loss result of development. Drawing on critical approaches commodification nature, this article traces dilemmas encountered by its endeavours roll out English planning system. Based 34 in-depth interviews with key stakeholders, documentary analysis and participant observation at policy-focused events, paper aims show how promise reconciling development conservation proved difficult deliver. attempts enrol sympathetic actors, disputes emerged over purpose fine detail proposals. Deeper tensions were revealed clashes between governmental emphasis deregulation advocates’ calls for strong mandatory rules well-resourced oversight, while efforts balance complex ecology market demands simplicity certainty undermined objective metrics delivering uncontroversial hard numbers. Though case is many ways context-specific, problems experienced raise wider political questions around establishing meaningful schemes any part world.