A working definition of “ordinary nature” adjusted to ecological offset policies tested in three French regions

Résumé 0

Considering the current limitations to re-establishing remarkable ecosystems in ecological offset policies, we suggest that ordinary nature could be more easily recreated and therefore offer a more relevant target for ecological offset measures. The lack of operational scientific characterization of ordinary nature led us to suggest a definition of this notion based on three criteria: non-extraordinary nature, dependency on human activities and low ecosystem complexity. We validated our definition by applying it to three contrasted French regions (Centre, Champagne-Ardenne and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur) in order to delineate the boundaries of ordinary nature. Then, to assess the needs for compensation in these three regions we estimated their potential urbanization by 2040. In order to define the limits of ordinary nature, we used land-cover data and regulated protection areas as indicators of our criteria. Urbanization was estimated by delineating concentric buffer zones around cities based on demographic evolution perspectives and the current city population. The results of our mapping of ordinary nature seem conclusive, excluding areas with major biodiversity issues. Our estimation of urbanization in the three regions highlighted unequal capacities of the three regions to apply ecological offsetting measures.