No Net Loss of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services: Applying the Mitigation Hierarchy and Biodiversity Offsets as Tools to Achieve Sustainable Development in the Western Indian Ocean

The Western Indian Ocean is one of the richest regions of the world for biodiversity. It comprises diverse ecosystems both in terms of biodiversity and the ecosystem services provided, as is the case of coral reefs and mangroves. These areas are important for both wildlife and human populations; offering breeding and foraging areas for flagship marine and migratory species and providing protection for communities and property against storms, sea level rise and coastal erosion.