Marine Natural Offset site: state-of-the-art and perspectives for a contextualized application

Abstract

In the context of the implementation of regulations aimed at limiting the impact of land-use planning, particularly in relation to no net artificialization and no net loss, offsetting appears to be a pillar, both politically and technically, of the regulation of and response to such damage. Despite an increase in its use, marine offset application remains limited and dominated by an approach based on demand, addressed on a "case by case" basis. Given the difficulties in assessing impacts, designing effective offset measures and the strong uncertainties related to the success of proposed offset solutions, it appears as crucial to consider a system for implementing mutualised compensation, integrating criteria such as equivalence, exchange rules, and legal and financial guarantees within an explicit framework. We thus describe, step by step, a system of natural offset sites (SNC in French) adapted to the French maritime context. Based on critical feedback from worldwide experiences on the management and efficiency of offshore offset banks, this hybrid approach to land-based practices, mixing public and private operators, would make it possible to meet the challenges of integrated management and planning at sea.