Frequently Asked QuestionsFrequently Asked Questions

Background

The Origin of Biodiversity Action

Concern about the natural environment has been expressed for many years but in 1992 it was given a new focus at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro when many of the world's governments signed the Convention on Biological Diversity. This convention is based on the principle that each country is responsible for conserving and enhancing the biodiversity within its own boundaries.

What is biodiversity?

Biodiversity has been defined in many different ways. Here are two examples:

	"The variability among living organisms from all sources including, inter alia, terrestrial, marine, and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part; this includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems."
	Article 2 of the Convention on Biological Diversity
	"The variability among living organisms from all sources including, inter alia, terrestrial, marine, and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part; this includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems."
	Article 2 of the Convention on Biological Diversity

 

In plain English

Biodiversity is the variety of life

Why does biodiversity need to be conserved?

Biodiversity needs to be conserved for several reasons.

• No species is able to survive in isolation. Every species is part of an interconnected network, which is shaped and influenced by the physical environment, climate and man.

• Human beings rely on other species for food, medicines and raw materials.

• Wildlife and natural places improve our quality of life and sense of well-being.

• Species and habitats have an intrinsic value of their own.

• We have a responsibility to future generations to pass on an environment that is at least as diverse as the one we have inherited.

 

In other words

Biodiversity is essential to our survival

Biodiversity Action: Global to Local

In 1994 the UK Government became one of the first signatories to the Convention to produce a biodiversity strategy and action plan; 'Biodiversity: The UK Action Plan'. The overall aim of this plan is

"To conserve and enhance biological diversity within the UK and to contribute to the conservation of global biodiversity through all appropriate means."

The broad aim is underpinned by 4 objectives which are to conserve, and where practicable, to enhance:

• the overall populations and natural ranges of native species and the quality and range of wildlife habitats and ecosystems;

• internationally important and threatened species, habitats and ecosystems;

• species, habitats and natural and managed ecosystems that are characteristic of local areas; and

• the biodiversity of natural and semi-natural habitats where this has diminished over recent decades.

These objectives are to be achieved through:

• a series of costed action plans for the most threatened and declining species and habitats,

• improving access to data,

• increasing public awareness; and

• the production of Local Biodiversity Action Plans.

Local Biodiversity Action Plans

	'The purpose of Local Biodiversity Action Plans is to focus resources to conserve and enhance biodiversity by means of local partnerships, taking account of both national and local priorities'
	UK Steering Group Report

The UK Action Plan established the approach for biodiversity conservation. However, it was recognised that national objectives could only be achieved if there was action at all levels and by all sectors of the community. The principal means of achieving this is through the preparation of Local Biodiversity Action Plans. These plans have two broad functions.

• To ensure that national action plans are translated into effective action at the local level.

• To establish targets and action for species and habitats characteristic of each local area.

Biodiversity Action in Hampshire

Volume 1 of the Biodiversity Action Plan for Hampshire was published in 1998 by the Hampshire Biodiversity Partnership, a group of local authorities, national agencies, voluntary bodies and land owners. This document provides a broad picture of the biodiversity of Hampshire and the factors that affect it. It identified priority habitats and species which require action to conserve them and also a number of generic issues, including the collection and management of data, education and awareness, water, agriculture, business and industry, which have a significant impact upon biodiversity.

Volume 2 was published in July 2000 and contains detailed action plans for many of the habitats and species listed in Volume 1. There are also plans addressing some of the generic issues.

Now that the main work of producing species and habitat action plans has been completed attention is being directed towards implementation and monitoring.

Biodiversity Action in Fareham

Fareham Borough is fortunate in possessing a variety of habitats ranging from internationally important coastal areas to locally important woodlands and grasslands. The Borough also supports a number of protected species including dormice, great crested newts, bats and badgers. This natural heritage is a great asset to the Borough and the people who live in it. In order to maintain this diversity it is essential that we take action to conserve it.

A Local Biodiversity Action Plan for Fareham

Following the principle of local action helping to achieve wider targets, the Fareham LBAP takes the Hampshire Biodiversity Action Plan as its starting point. Many of the actions listed in the 5 Year Action Plan have been taken from the Hampshire plan and adapted to give them a Fareham perspective. However, whilst the Hampshire plan concentrates largely on threatened habitats and species the Fareham plan also includes action for commoner species.

The Fareham LBAP will focus upon:

• Developing local partnerships with organisations, individuals and businesses to generate broad involvement in biodiversity action.

• Raising awareness of the importance of biodiversity and the need to conserve it.

• Helping to meet targets in the Hampshire BAP that are relevant to Fareham.

• Integrating biodiversity into other plans that have an impact on biodiversity in the borough, for example the Local Plan and the Community Strategy.

This approach will enable the broad actions in the Hampshire BAP to be translated into specific action within Fareham.

How will this be achieved?

• The Hampshire BAP priority habitats and species present in the borough will be identified and in addition habitats and species that are important in a Fareham context will also be identified.

• Habitats, species and issues of concern to local people will be identified and addressed.

• Biodiversity isn't restricted to nature reserves and designated sites therefore particular attention will be paid to non-designated areas.

• It is recognised that biodiversity does not adhere to administrative boundaries and that there will be a need to work with neighbouring authorities.

• The five year action plan will be implemented through an annual work programme.

Habitats, Species and Issues.

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