LBAP in Wales
The 1995 UK BAP Steering Group Report emphasised the importance of Local Biodiversity Action Plans to complement the national strategy. The UKBG’s Local Issues Advisory Group (LIAG), working with the Local Agenda 21 Steering Group, prepared 5 guidance notes in 1997 to advise local players. They were distributed to all local authorities throughout the UK. Following publication of the LIAG guidance notes, the task of developing and encouraging LBAPs passed to the Country Groups.
Functions of Local Biodiversity Action Plans (from LIAG Guidance note 1):
- To ensure that national targets for species and habitats, as specified in the UK Action Plan,are translated into effective action at the local level.
- To identify targets for species and habitats appropriate to the local area, and reflecting the values of people locally.
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To develop effective local partnerships to ensure that programmes for biodiversity conservation are maintained in the long-term
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To raise awareness of the need for biodiversity conservation in the local context.
- To ensure that opportunities for conservation and enhancement of the whole biodiversity resource are fully considered.
- To provide a basis for monitoring progress in biodiversity conservation at both local and national level.
The passage of the CROW Act (2000) and NERC Act (2006) through parliament and the recent publication of a list of species and habitats of principal importance in Wales by the National Assembly for Wales have provided much needed statutory underpinning to the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. Whilst the Assembly takes responsibility to further the conservation of the species and habitats on the published list, the focus for action will be through the preparation and implementation of local plans in partnerships.
Local action plans are at the delivery end of much of the BAP process, ensuring that the national strategy is translated into effective action at the local level and that national targets for species and habitats are attained throughout the UK. Raising awareness of biodiversity and understanding of related conservation issues is also recognised as a vital part of the BAP process. Local BAP partnerships in particular, are well placed for this role as they operate on a local scale, and are able to engage local communities, partners and visitors to an area.
Wales now has 100% LBAP coverage, with a published or draft Plan in place in each of the 24 areas. The majority of groups have now published and officially launched their plans.
LBAP Review
The Local Biodiversity Action Plan is generally reviewed every 5 years and many local authorities and National Parks in Wales are making good progress towards the 2008 review target. WBP have produced guidance to help LBAP partnerships through the review process.
Links
LBAP Review Guidance Document
Phase 1 habitat conversion - BAP habitats
Review of BAP Targets -Target Definitions
UK BAP Priority Habitats & Species
UK BAP Priority Habitats description