A Beginner’s Guide to Biodiversity Stewardship Agreement
learn about BSA's and the process of establishing an agreement
Protecting Nature, Supporting Landholders: A Guide to Biodiversity Stewardship Agreements in NSW
Across New South Wales, nature is under pressure—from development, land clearing, and the effects of climate change. In response, the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Scheme was introduced to balance the need for growth with the need to protect our environment.
At the heart of this scheme are Biodiversity Stewardship Agreements (BSAs). These agreements allow private landholders to actively contribute to conservation while unlocking long-term financial benefits. They offer a rare chance to care for land, protect native plants and animals, and earn an income through the sale of biodiversity credits.
This guide explains what BSAs are, how to get started, and the value they can provide—for you and for nature.
What is the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Scheme?
The NSW Biodiversity Conservation Scheme, introduced under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016, ensures that development and biodiversity can co-exist.
When developers impact native vegetation or threatened species, they’re required to offset—or compensate for—that impact by investing in conservation elsewhere. They do this by purchasing biodiversity credits—which are generated by landholders who enter into stewardship agreements and manage their land for conservation.
What is a Biodiversity Stewardship Agreement (BSA)?
A Biodiversity Stewardship Agreement is a voluntary, legal agreement between a private landholder and the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust (BCT). The landholder commits to long-term conservation on their land—such as protecting bushland or managing threats like weeds and feral animals.
In return, the landholder receives biodiversity credits, which represent measurable improvements in native species or habitats. These credits can be sold to developers or others needing to offset their environmental impacts.
BSAs are one of the main ways the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Scheme supports private land conservation. By rewarding landholders for managing biodiversity, they help deliver the offsets that developers are required to fund.
Importantly, a BSA is a perpetual agreement. Once registered on the land title, the conservation obligations remain in place permanently—even if the land is sold or ownership changes. This ensures lasting protection for the site and provides certainty for credit buyers.
Put simply, BSAs turn good conservation into a funded, long-term commitment.
How to Set Up a BSA: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Explore Your Options
- Talk to the BCT: Start by contacting the BCT to check if your land is suitable.
- Read the Guide: Review the BSA Landholder Guide to understand the process.
- Optional – Feasibility or Business Case: Engage a qualified consultant to assess whether a BSA could work for your land and what credits might be generated.
Step 2: Apply
- Biodiversity Assessment: Hire an accredited assessor to apply the Biodiversity Assessment Method (BAM)—a standardised way to measure biodiversity values. The assessor will prepare a management plan and estimate how many credits your site could generate.
- Submit Application: Lodge your application through the Biodiversity Offsets and Agreements Management System (BOAMS)—the online system used to manage BSA applications and pay the required fee.
- BCT Review & Site Visit: The BCT checks your application and visits the site to validate the plan and calculations.
Step 3: Finalise the Agreement
- Sign and Register: If approved, your agreement is legally registered on your land title. You’ll now receive your biodiversity credits.
- Start Land Management: Begin implementing the site-specific conservation actions from the management plan.
Step 4: Manage and Sell Credits
- Sell Credits or Fund the Deposit: You must sell enough credits or pay the Total Fund Deposit (TFD) to activate your site.
- Continue Selling Credits (Optional): Once your TFD is fully funded, you may continue to sell any remaining biodiversity credits. While these sales are not required for site activation, they offer a chance to earn additional income and support further conservation work.
- Finding Buyers: Marketplaces such as Khamango are emerging to help landholders connect with developers looking to purchase biodiversity credits. These platforms can make transactions more accessible and transparent.
- Ongoing Management: You’ll receive annual payments to support land management for the life of the agreement.
- Annual Reports & Audits: Submit yearly reports; the BCT will audit and support your work.
Key Concepts Simplified
Biodiversity Credits: Certificates showing biodiversity gains (species or ecosystems)
Species Credits: Credits for individual threatened species
Ecosystem Credits: Credits for overall vegetation or habitat types
TFD (Total Fund Deposit): Money set aside to fund conservation work over time
BAM (Biodiversity Assessment Method): The standard tool used to assess your site and create a management plan
BOAMS: The online portal to manage your BSA application
BSAs aren’t just a financial opportunity—they’re a way to leave a lasting impact on your land and its future.
Why Consider a BSA?
BSAs aren’t just good for nature—they’re good for landholders too. They offer a unique way to generate income from your land while contributing to conservation goals.
Earn an Income: Sell biodiversity credits or receive ongoing management payments
Protect What Matters: Make a lasting contribution to local ecosystems and native species
Expert Support: Receive tailored guidance from the BCT at every step
Voluntary, Flexible: Start with early advice and assessments before committing