Abstract Biodiversity offsets schemes could not only mitigate the net loss resulting from mineral exploitation in the International Seabed Areas, but also distribute the revenue obtained from exploiting the common heritage of mankind and protect the seabed environment among different stakeholders. Biodiversity offsets are an action designed to compensate for significant residual adverse biodiversity impacts arising from mineral exploitation, therefore it could be possible to pursue a balance among them. Areas of Particular Environmental Interest (APEIs) are appropriate “no net loss offset location” for which the International Seabed Authority fulfills the habitat offsets through marine spatial planning. Meanwhile, Conservation Trust Funds could eliminate negative externality through payment for environmental services so that to orientate towards the goals of financial offsets, especially marine scientific research activities in the APEIs should be promoted and encouraged by the establishment of Seabed Sustainability Fund. The International Seabed Areas is the common heritage of human beings, which requires that the International Seabed Authority should take a significant position in the approach of biodiversity offsets for mineral exploitation.
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