Calculation Method

INBO, the Research Institute for Nature and Forest in the Flemish Region of Belgium, developed a calculation method and an indicative list of compensation amounts for 100 protected species, common in court files.

Research Institute

Nature And Forest

Based on an online survey in 2020, literature review and expert discussions, INBO selected the most relevant criteria covering instrumental, relational as well as intrinsic values of nature. The selected criteria are Extinction risk, Ecological Significance, Cultural significance, Contribution to welfare and Size or lifespan of the species.

To go from criteria to a monetary compensation amount, we used a novel methodology to take into account the interrelation between different categories, the incommensurability of the different values of nature and the feasibility of both the formula itself and the resulting compensation amounts in the light of legal procedures.

Proposal for a practical framework…

We created an additive formula, respecting the independence of the different criteria and avoiding conflation, scaled to an acceptable amount through the fifth criterion: size and lifespan of the species. You can explore how we define and assess those criteria and what values of nature they cover below.

In due course, the list will be updated and extended with other species and if possible, habitats.

Intrinsic valueRelational valueInstrumental value
  • The IUCN Red List Status captures the risk of extinction of species. This contains 5 relevant statuses which are translated to levels in our methodology (Least concern, Vulnerable, Near Threatened, Threatened and Critically endangered). The most local status is prioritized.

Explore Compensation Options

C =
1.405,85*
e
0,58 *
+
83,83*
e
2,3 *
+
263,52*
e
1,15 *
+
83,83*
e
2,3 *

S

Scaling the formula to an acceptable maximum compensation

The main aim of the project is to set acceptable compensation amounts. Based on the workshops that took place during the project, comparisons with other compensation lists in Europe and scientific literature, the maximum amount of €50.000 was agreed upon for large or long-living species. This maximum amount is scaled down to €10.000 for medium-sized or medium long-living species and to €1.000 for small or short-living species. This means that a species scoring the highest level for all different criteria would require a compensation of €50.000 if it is a large species, or €1.000 if it is a small species.

€ 25.000
Extinction risk
€ 8.333,33
Cultural Significance
€ 8.333,33
Ecological Singificance
€ 8.333,33
Contribution to welfare
Total amount
€ 50.000

The BIOVAL method and indicative list provides scientifically robust, transparent and acceptable indicative compensation values, which can result in supporting restoration and protection of nature.