Launch of biodiversity offset tools
A novel tool aimed at incorporating biodiversity conservation into development planning was officially launched at the National Biodiversity Offset Conference held in Midrand, Gauteng from 22-23 May 2025. 
The conference was hosted by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE) in partnership with UNDP (United Nations Development Programme), SANBI, SANParks, and Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA). The multi-sectoral stakeholder event marked a significant milestone in South Africa’s journey towards sustainable development and biodiversity conservation. National Biodiversity Offset Web Portal
The National Biodiversity Offset Web Portal was officially launched, providing a centralised platform to track, manage, and monitor offset projects in alignment with the National Biodiversity Offset Guideline, thereby enhancing transparency and accountability.
SANParks Biodiversity Offset Bank
The SANParks Biodiversity Offset Bank was introduced, offering a new mechanism for expanding protected areas through science-based, proactive offset planning.
What is biodiversity offsetting?
Biodiversity offsets are actions required by environmental permits to counterbalance the negative impacts a development project has on biodiversity.
These actions include managing and protecting natural areas, but only after efforts have been made to avoid, reduce and rehabilitate the impacts caused by the development.
Why it matters
Biodiversity offsetting contributes to expanding South Africa’s Protected and Conservation Areas, improving biodiversity conservation. It also promotes ecologically sustainable thinking and action in economic and social developments.
The Offset Register will promote transparency and efficiency, while demonstrating the positive impacts of biodiversity offsets.
How to contribute
Visiting the National Biodiversity Offset Web Portal is quick and simple. Click on the icon below to register to the National Biodiversity Offset Web Portal.
- Choose your role: Subscriber or Internal.
- Subscriber: users can view and download records
- Internal: users are contributors or moderators that can add and edit records
- Complete the login fields, select register and follow the prompt to verify your login details.
Please share this tool with your network to promote and develop the National Biodiversity Offset Web Portal.
Need help using the offset web portal?
Download the User Guide designed specifically for external users. It includes instructions, screenshots, and helpful tips.
Contact
Offset Register Help
South African National Biodiversity Institute
offsetsregister@sanbi.org.za