Our planet is rich in biological diversity. Around nine million species of animal and plant occupy their own special place in the world ecosystem. It’s this richness of life that provides the support systems that sustain human existence – our food, medicine, clothing, clean soil, clear water, fresh air and quality of life.

However, the world is losing biodiversity at an ever increasing rate as a result of human activity. In the UK alone we have lost over 100 species during the last century, while many more species and habitats are under threat. [source UK Biodiversity Action Plan website]

International action to sustain the variety of life on Earth is based on the Convention on Biological Diversity, signed by more than 150 countries following the Rio Earth Summit in 1992.

The Government published the UK Biodiversity Action Plan in January 1994. During its first five years, action plans were published to conserve 45 vulnerable habitats and 391 of our most threatened species.

These action plans were implemented by lead partner organisations or agencies while country-wide and regional Biodiversity Action Plans delivered biodiversity conservation at a local level, raising public awareness and promoting environmental education.

In June 2007, the UK Biodiversity Action Plan published its first full review of its priority species and habitats, based on comprehensive new information acquired over the past decade about UK biodiversity. As a result, the list has been radically revised to include 1,149 species and 65 habitats identified as priorities for conservation action. The governments of all four UK administrations have adopted the recommendations.

In October 2007, the UK Biodiversity Partnership published a new statement ‘Conserving Biodiversity – the UK approach’, that sets out a new vision and approach to conserving biodiversity within the UK’s devolved framework.

The Offshore Marine Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 2007 came into force in August 2007. The regulations will protect marine species and wild birds by managing activities that affect species and habitats in the offshore marine environment beyond 12 nautical miles from the UK coast.

The legislation also enables the designation and protection of areas that host certain important habitats and species in offshore areas. The Scottish Government is founding a ‘Sustainable Seas Task Force’ to consider proposals for a new Scottish Marine Bill.

This section of our report highlights the breadth of activity across our various UK operations, summarises the work of our Biodiversity/Habitat Management Plans and lists some examples of good practice.

Rupert Steele, Impact Leader