What is “No Net Loss” ?

“No Net Loss" is a principle and goal in environmental policy that aims to ensure that the overall quantity and quality of a particular resource or ecosystem remains constant or is not reduced as a result of development or other human activities. In the context of wetlands, "No Net Loss" refers to the goal of maintaining the overall functions and values of wetlands in a region despite unavoidable impacts from development projects. This principle recognizes that while some wetland impacts may be necessary for development, efforts should be made to offset these impacts through wetland mitigation measures.

A wetland mitigation plan is a strategy developed to offset the unavoidable impacts to wetlands that occur as a result of development projects. The goal of a mitigation plan is to replace, enhance, or restore wetland functions and values that are lost or degraded due to development. Mitigation measures may include creating new wetlands, restoring degraded wetlands, or enhancing existing wetlands. For example, if a road construction project impacts a wetland, the project developer may be required to create a new wetland nearby or restore a degraded wetland to compensate for the loss.

The specific measures and requirements of a mitigation plan depend on the regulatory requirements and the characteristics of the wetlands and the impacted area. Mitigation plans are developed in consultation with regulatory agencies and must be approved before development can proceed. Mitigation plans are carefully designed to ensure that they effectively replace the functions and values of the wetland that was lost. The goal of mitigation is to achieve "No Net Loss" of wetland functions.