How do Sustainability Standards Consider Biodiversity?

Book chapter, 2015

This chapter presents an assessment of how biodiversity is considered in different types of sustainability standards. First, biodiversity is defined and strategies for biodiversity conservation are discussed. Then, standards for sustainable production of biomass in agriculture and forestry are evaluated on how they consider biodiversity, i.e., how they attempt to prevent actions that can threaten biodiversity and support actions that can conserve it. It is also assessed how sustainability standards address the conversion of certain ecosystem types. A broad set of standards is included relating to either sustainable agricultural management, sustainable forest management, or sustainable production of biofuel feedstocks. Similarities and differences within and between the three categories are identified. Finally, key barriers to, and challenges for, certification schemes are discussed, and recommendations are made for further development of sustainability standards. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. All rights reserved.