How to Calculate Area of Influence for Biodiversity: Introducing Xylo’s New Area of Influence Model

When it comes to biodiversity management, one of the most common questions we hear is, “How do I accurately calculate the Area of Influence for biodiversity?” The answer is crucial for businesses seeking to build a nature-positive strategy and minimise their environmental footprint. With Xylo Systems’ new Area of Influence model, calculating this impact zone has never been easier—or more accurate.

‍

What is an Area of Influence in Biodiversity?

The Area of Influence (AoI) refers to the zone around a project or asset where biodiversity is impacted by that asset’s operations. This area often extends beyond the immediate boundaries of the project site, influencing nearby habitats, ecosystems, and wildlife. Calculating this area accurately allows companies to assess the true reach of their environmental impact, which is essential for implementing effective biodiversity conservation strategies and nature-based solutions.

‍

Why Calculating Area of Influence is Important for Biodiversity

For businesses, the area of influence is more than just a buffer zone; it’s a key to understanding and managing their biodiversity footprint. By accurately calculating this area, organisations can make data-informed decisions about where to focus their conservation efforts and measure the impact of their nature-positive actions. This level of precision is especially valuable for organisations looking to align with global biodiversity frameworks, like the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) and the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF).

‍

How Does Xylo’s Area of Influence Model Work?

Many companies ask, “What’s the best way to calculate the area of influence around our assets?” Xylo’s Area of Influence model uses a unique, science-backed approach to answer this question. Our model automatically generates a custom project boundary based on two inputs:

1. Asset Location: This data point anchors the model to your project’s physical position, forming the core of the area of influence calculation.
2. Economic Activities: Planned activities associated with the asset are analysed for their potential impact on local biodiversity, adding context to the model.

These inputs allow the Area of Influence model to define an accurate boundary that reflects real-world impacts, using land cover types and industry pressures to determine the reach of your project’s influence on nearby biodiversity.

‍

The Science Behind Xylo’s Area of Influence Model

The Area of Influence model is rooted in scientific research and analysis, factoring in both local habitat types and specific industry pressures that affect biodiversity. By combining habitat analysis with the assessment of surrounding economic activities, our model goes beyond traditional buffer zones. This data-driven approach provides a more precise and realistic representation of your asset’s impact, ensuring you’re capturing the full picture.

‍

How Does the Area of Influence Support a Nature-Positive Strategy?

For businesses focused on building a nature-positive strategy, the Area of Influence model is invaluable. This feature allows companies to:

• Identify biodiversity risks and opportunities: With an accurate impact zone, you can detect potential biodiversity risks around your project, from endangered species to vulnerable habitats.

• Implement targeted nature-based solutions: Knowing the true area of influence helps you strategically place conservation efforts where they’ll have the greatest effect.

• Align with biodiversity reporting frameworks: An accurate AoI calculation supports compliance with global standards like TNFD and GreenStar Buildings, boosting transparency and accountability.

‍

How to Use the Area of Influence Model in Xylo Systems

Curious about how to start calculating your area of influence for biodiversity? It’s easy with Xylo Systems. Just enter your asset location and a quick summary of planned economic activities on the “Add a New Project” page. Our model will generate a custom Area of Influence, which you can view directly on your project dashboard, complete with insights like species hotspots and biodiversity risks.

‍

FAQs on Calculating Area of Influence for Biodiversity

Q: What’s the benefit of an automated Area of Influence model?

A: Xylo’s automated Area of Influence model removes guesswork, providing a reliable, science-backed boundary for biodiversity assessments.

Q: How can I know where to place nature-based solutions?

A: The Area of Influence model highlights specific areas within your impact zone, allowing you to focus conservation efforts where they will be most effective.

‍

Transform Your Biodiversity Strategy with Xylo’s Area of Influence

If you’re asking, “How can I calculate an accurate Area of Influence for my biodiversity assessments?” Xylo’s new model provides a solution that’s not only efficient but also scientifically precise. Explore how the Area of Influence model can help you build a nature-positive strategy, enhance biodiversity management, and take meaningful action for a sustainable future.

Ready to see the Area of Influence in action? Contact our team for a demo and make the next step toward effective, data-driven biodiversity management.

‍