Volume One 8. Indigenous Biodiversity (e) where the offset involves the ongoing protection of a separate site, it will deliver no net loss and preferably a net gain for indigenous biodiversity protection; and (f) offsets should re-establish or protect the same type of ecosystem or habitat that is adversely affected, unless an alternative ecosystem or habitat will provide a net gain for indigenous biodiversity. Biodiversity offsets are the final step in a hierarchical process in which adverse effects on indigenous biodiversity are first avoided, then remedied, and finally mitigated. Only after these approaches have been exhausted is it appropriate to consider biodiversity offsets to deal with unavoidable residual adverse effects. Policy 8.3.8 makes clear that biodiversity offsets should not be considered in areas that have been assessed as having significant biodiversity value and where adverse effects on these values are to be avoided. The goal of a biodiversity offset is to achieve no net loss and preferably a net gain of biodiversity with respect to species composition, habitat structure and ecosystem functions. It is therefore important that offsets are appropriate compensation. There is a preference for the re- establishment or protection of the same type of ecosystem or habitat to avoid the difficulty of assessing relative values of different ecosystems or habitats of different species. Trade-offs involving different species will not always adequately compensate for the loss of the originally threatened species. However, the policy does recognise that where significant indigenous biodiversity benefits can be achieved, the protection of other habitats may be appropriate. There will be cases where the indigenous biodiversity at risk is so significant that it should not be significantly modified or destroyed under any circumstances (other than when necessary for avoiding risks to human condition and safety). There are also situations where residual effects cannot be fully compensated because the biodiversity is highly vulnerable or irreplaceable; for example, where the vegetation or habitat is so rare or reduced that there are few or no opportunities to deliver an offset. In such cases, offsetting cannot be considered as a means of environmental compensation for adverse effects. There also needs to be certainty that the proposed offsets will occur. Offset measures such as indigenous planting will take a long time to establish and become useful in a biodiversity role. There should be an overall improvement in indigenous biodiversity as a result of the project and its biodiversity offsets. Methods of implementation The methods listed below are to be implemented by the Council unless otherwise specified. 8.M.1 Regional rules Resource consent will be required to modify waterbodies and for any activity that would result in the draining or modification of a wetland (excluding artificially created ponds). The term ‘modification’ applies in the context of a physical change to the waterbody or in terms of alteration to flow (including the taking of water). Regard must be had to the values of waterbodies identified in Appendix 5. Permitted activity rules will enable some activities to be carried out in wetlands and rivers where there is no more than minor adverse effect. These rules will specify certain standards that have to be met for the activity to remain as permitted. In some cases where significant wetlands have been least modified by humans, prohibited activity rules have been applied to ensure the values of the significant wetlands are maintained. Where appropriate, regional rules will enable pest management activity for biodiversity outcomes. Fishing activities using techniques or methods that disturb the seabed in the areas identified as an ecologically significant marine site will be prohibited. Resource consent is required for most uses 8 – 13