This session explored biodiversity offset practices and lessons learned from their implementation. The discussion began with reflections on global experience, including findings from the World Bank Group’s recent evaluation of biodiversity offsets, examining what had worked, where challenges remained, and how approaches were adapting to meet growing biodiversity ambitions.

Building on these lessons, the session delved into Lao PDR’s efforts to operationalize the National Biodiversity No Net Loss / Net Gain Policy, which included an Aggregate Biodiversity Offset Framework. This innovative landscape-scale approach was designed to improve conservation outcomes, streamline implementation, and address some of the limitations encountered with project-specific offsets. Panelists discussed the opportunities, challenges, and practical considerations for implementing more strategic and effective approaches to achieving no net loss or net gain objectives.