IFC Performance Standard 6 is one of the most influential global frameworks for biodiversity-inclusive impact assessment, lender due diligence, mitigation hierarchy planning, and demonstrable no-net-loss or net-gain outcomes. This one-day interactive course familiarizes participants with the application of PS6 across development sectors where biodiversity, ecosystem services, natural habitat or critical habitat risk may affect project design, approval, financing, implementation or social license.

Drawing on Nature Positive’s previous experience delivering this training work with FMO, the Dutch entrepreneurial development bank, the course translates PS6 requirements into practical tools for impact assessment practitioners, lenders, regulators, developers and environmental and social teams. Participants will work through applied exercises on critical habitat assessment, baseline scoping, PS6-aligned ESIA terms of reference, alternatives analysis, impact significance, mitigation hierarchy design, offsets and compensation, expert involvement, stakeholder engagement, monitoring and adaptive management.

Although selected case examples will be drawn from renewable energy, infrastructure and other development contexts, the course is designed to be sector-agnostic. The emphasis is on transferable decision-making: how to identify material biodiversity risks early, scope assessments that support better project decisions, interpret uncertainty, and design credible pathways toward no net loss or net gain.

Level: Intermediate

Prerequisites: As this is an intermediate-level course, participants will be asked to complete a short pre-course primer provided before the course to introduce key concepts and terminology.

Language: English

Duration: 1 day (19 April)

Min/Max: 9-20

Price: $330

Instructors: Dr. Robin Mitchell, Director, Nature Positive (New Zealand), Dr. Joseph Altobelli, Senior Consultant, Nature Positive (New Zealand), and Dr. Katherine Dixon, Director, Nature Positive (New Zealand)

Dr Robin Mitchell is Director of Nature Positive, a specialist consultancy supporting businesses, financial institutions, and project developers to manage biodiversity risk and create positive outcomes for nature. He has extensive experience in ecological baselining, biodiversity-inclusive impact assessment, critical habitat assessment, biodiversity action planning, offsets, monitoring, and outcomes verification.

Dr Mitchell has played a direct role in the development and application of international biodiversity standards. He contributed to the IFC Performance Standard 6 Guidance Note and the World Bank ESS6 and has supported projects worldwide in aligning with these standards since 2010. His work spans infrastructure, renewable energy, finance, nature-related corporate advisory, biodiversity credits, and carbon-biodiversity project development.

As a trainer, Dr Mitchell has developed and delivered applied PS6 and biodiversity risk training for renewable energy developers, financial institutions, E&S personnel, due diligence teams, fund managers, and technical specialists. He was a lead facilitator for the FMO-supported Powering Progress Responsibly PS6 workshop series and has trained participants across multiple regions. His practical, case-based approach helps participants translate complex biodiversity requirements into effective project tools and decision-making.

Dr Joseph Altobelli is a Senior Consultant at Nature Positive specializing in ecology, biodiversity impact assessment, spatial analysis, monitoring design, and applied biodiversity risk management. He holds a PhD in Zoology, with academic and research experience in biology, ecology, and evolutionary biology.

At Nature Positive, Dr Altobelli supports projects involving IFC PS6-aligned critical habitat assessment, biodiversity impact assessment, biodiversity action planning, offsets, ecological baselines, monitoring frameworks, and nature-related advisory work. His work combines technical ecological analysis with practical project delivery, helping translate biodiversity requirements into usable tools for developers, lenders, consultants, and decision-makers.

Dr Altobelli contributed to the development and delivery of the FMO-supported Powering Progress Responsibly training programme on applying IFC Performance Standard 6 to renewable energy projects. He has supported online and in-person training design and facilitation, including case studies, group exercises, and workshop materials, and co-facilitated the Istanbul workshop. His practical and interactive approach helps participants understand biodiversity risk, mitigation hierarchy decisions, monitoring needs, and how technical findings can support better project planning and finance decisions.

Dr Katherine Dixon is a co-founder of Nature Positive, with over 25 years’ experience spanning ecological consulting, impact assessment and cross-sector collaboration. She combines technical environmental expertise with extensive experience in facilitation and training.

Katherine has designed and delivered workshops for industry, government and sustainability professionals, with a focus on making complex concepts practical, accessible and engaging. Her approach combines collaborative learning, practical exercises and the use of real-world examples. She enjoys supporting participants translate standards into practical impact assessment and decision making.