ID: 1954
Presenting Author: Maria Ines Miranda Ramos
Session: 653 - Biodiversity Impact Assessment: Information Disclosure, Risk Identification, and Legal Regulation
Status: pending
Rapid biodiversity assessments in Espírito Santo and Bahia identified critical habitats, informed road design, ensured compliance with ESF/ESS6, supported mitigation hierarchy, and promoted governance
A rapid biodiversity assessment was conducted to identify potential critical habitats along the planned road contours in Espírito Santo and Bahia, Brazil, following the World Bank Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) and ESS6 requirements. Using secondary data, field reconnaissance, and scientific literature, the assessments mapped natural and modified habitats, identified species of conservation concern, and overlaid results with protected areas and Key Biodiversity Areas. The findings aim to inform route designs to avoid impacts on critical habitats. The approach ensures compliance with national legal frameworks and international best practices, strengthening the legal and scientific basis for Biodiversity Impact Assessments. Stakeholder engagement, as required by ESS10, will guide the next phases of the project, ensuring transparent consultation and integration of local knowledge. The assessments support the application of the mitigation hierarchy to avoid, minimize, and compensate for impacts, aiming for no net loss and, where critical habitats are affected, a net gain in biodiversity. These processes demonstrate how rapid, science-based assessments can inform design and promote governance.
Senior Environmental Specialist at the World Bank, MSc and PhD in Ecology, extensive experience in environmental impact assessment for infrastructure projects, in public and private sectors.
Coauthor 1: Eric Shayer