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Introduction
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Biodiversity is used as an abbreviation of ‘Biological Diversity’. This describes the broad spectrum of living things and takes into account variations and interactions betweens species and habitats. Conserving biodiversity is about protecting the enormous variety of life. This great variety of plants and animals is helping the earth by re-cycling water and plant nutrients, providing us with oxygen and also food, medicine and materials. The Wildlife around us also enhances our lives and makes the world a more pleasant place to live in. It is very important in ensuring that this continues for future generations to enjoy. The concept of Biodiversity arose in 1992 when the government signed up to the Convention on Biodiversity at the ‘Earth Summit’ in Rio in 1992. This Summit intended to highlight and take action against the loss of habitats and species across the globe. When the UK Government signed the convention, it committed them to taking action to conserve biodiversity in the UK. In 1995, the UK Biodiversity Action Plan was published by a Steering group, which was established to develop Action Plans for individual species and habitats. This UK Biodiversity Action Plan recognises the importance of Local Biodiversity Action Plans, which incorporate local conditions and therefore cater for local distinctiveness. |
