Biodiversity Action Planning
The publication and implementation of Biodiversity Action Plans (BAPs) has been a major focus for environmental agencies and non-government organisations (NGOs) such as The Wildlife Trusts. Instigated by the UK Government in response to the 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), BAP is a non-statutory, approach to biodiversity conservation and has the potential to complement and interface with more traditional site-based approaches to nature conservation, such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and the network of Natura 2000 sites (Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas designated under the EU Habitats and Birds Directives respectively).
In contrast with freshwater and terrestrial habitats, marine BAP has been slow to take off, most notably for sublittoral (subtidal) habitats. Although the UK BAP includes 22 coastal and marine habitats and more than 60 species, adoption of these into regional and local plans has been limited. In south east England, for example, the regional BAP makes no reference to subtidal habitats.
The Wildlife Trust's South East Marine Programme has been working with regional stakeholders to give fresh momentum to marine BAP through hosting workshops and producing publications. In March 2004 a workshop entitled 'Giving fresh momentum to marine BAP' was organised with a group of regional stakeholders to consider the options for reinvigorating the marine BAP process.
On the basis of the workshop conclusions, the South East Marine BAP Working Group was formed in order to develop regional overview documents to guide local action. As a result the Marine Biodiversity Action Guide for London and the South East was produced. This report summarises the marine environment, associated resources, uses and industries, and importantly provides advice for how to progress and improve marine Biodiversity Action Planning at local levels. Additionally, a database was produced detailing marine conservation initiatives that have been delivered throughout the SE region in order to enable the transfer of past successful projects and initiatives. A copy of this database is available on request.
The Wildlife Trusts throughout the South East are also involved in various marine Biodiversity Action Plans, such as Hampshire and the Isle of Wight's Solent Seagrass Project, which aims to assess the extent and health of Seagrass meadows with the help of both scuba divers and members of the general public. Please contact your local Wildlife Trust for information on projects going on in your area.
