This technical briefing note highlights how brownfield sites can be (1) restored to their pre-development (higher) biodiversity value, with potential co-benefits for climate adaptation and mitigation and ecosystems delivery, (2) rehabilitated for development of new economic activities, thus avoiding impacts on other greenfield sites of higher biodiversity value; or 3) conserved due to their high biodiversity value, in particular where unique habitats or species assemblages have established through natural succession on the sites and their disused infrastructure. As a result, brownfield sites present a potentially untapped opportunity for businesses to achieve net gain and contribute to global goals on biodiversity, ecosystem restoration, climate change and sustainable development

The Proteus Technical Briefing Note series supports the application and interpretation of biodiversity data and information by the extractive sector. Technical briefing notes are developed in the context of the Proteus Partnership, a collaboration between leading extractive companies and UNEP-WCMC to strengthen business approaches for biodiversity management.