Bridging Biodiversity: Earthtrade Expands to England
Brisbane-based biodiversity offset specialists Earthtrade have officially expanded operations to England, bringing nearly two decades of experience in environmental market solutions to support the rollout of the UK’s new Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) legislation.
Since 2007, Earthtrade has advised both public and private organisations on biodiversity offsets, environmental markets, and nature-based investment. With the UK’s BNG Policy — introduced under the Environment Act 2021 and formally implemented in February 2024 — the company sees a clear opportunity to share its Australian expertise in practical, compliance-driven biodiversity outcomes.
Building on Global Experience
Earthtrade Director Alan Key, who contributed to the editing of the English Biodiversity Net Gain Policy prior to COVID, said the UK’s legislative shift reflects a global movement towards measurable nature recovery.
Co-Director Thomas Key added that the company’s Australian experience brings a unique, results-oriented perspective:
“Our goal is to help local governments become the effective solution to the BNG equation,” Thomas said. “We’re focused on helping them operate as sustainable suppliers in an economically intelligent way — empowering local authorities to manage, control and ultimately benefit from both development and nature recovery in their regions.”
Earthtrade’s new UK operations will provide strategic advice on BNG systems and implementation, including property acquisition, land management, and compliance processes.
Lessons from Australia’s EPBC Framework
Thomas noted that the messages for UK commercial operators are consistent with those learned through Australia’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act and EPBC Offsets Policy.
“This is a process that involves solicitors, ecologists, government, and countless stakeholders — so start early,” he said. “You’ll also need to budget for multiple stages before your final investment decision.”
He cautioned that enthusiasm or financial speculation can work against proponents:
“We’ve seen in Australia that developers can be too quick to approach landholders with open chequebooks or rush projects in the hope of quick returns. A measured, informed approach achieves far better outcomes.”
Offsets Are Services, Not Commodities
Another key message from Earthtrade’s directors is the distinction between biodiversity offsets and tradable credits — a difference often misunderstood in both markets.
“Biodiversity offset contracts are service agreements, not commodities,” Thomas said. “Biodiversity is a living system — a commitment to both the local environment and the offtake body. A koala in Brisbane isn’t a koala in Moranbah, just as a glider in Townsville isn’t a wombat in Tasmania. Each ecosystem is unique.”
He emphasised that biodiversity cannot simply be commoditised or speculated upon.
“An offset is exactly that — an offset. It’s not a replacement, but an acknowledgement that while something may be lost here, gains of a very similar kind are secured there.”
Supporting Sustainable Development Across Sectors
Earthtrade continues to advise clients across urban development, mining, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors, helping them achieve compliance and positive environmental outcomes under both the BNG and EPBC frameworks.