Biodiversity is a term used to describe the variety of life on earth. It encompasses all species of animals and plants, the habitats in which they live and the complex interactions between them.

In 1992, the UK government signed the Convention on Biological Diversity, at the "Earth Summit" held in Rio de Janeiro. The convention requires signatories to ‘develop national strategies…for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity…’. This has been translated into targets for Hampshire and for individual organisations such as the Wildlife Trust to ensure that there is positive conservation benefit in the wider countryside.

The Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) process incorporates all aspects of conservation to provide a framework for action, to conserve and enhance species and habitats. Hampshire Wildlife Trust is a part of this process in all areas of its work.

Working on reserves

Strategic blocks of land within the county purchased by Hampshire Wildlife Trust

• to protect priority BAP habitats and species
• to educate and raise awareness of priority BAP habitats and species
• to provide examples of BAP best practice to those in the wider countryside
  

Working with communities

This work engages with local authorities, parish councils, community groups and schools

• to provide advice and support for the production of Local Biodiversity Action Plans
• to raise awareness of the BAP process though publications, talks and presentations
• to educate all about the importance of a diverse environment and a sustainable future
  

Working with landowners

A key stakeholder in the Biodiversity process, they are at the implementation end of Biodiversity. Working with them to achieve Biodiversity includes

• dissemination of information to link land management with biodiversity and conservation
• raising awareness of the importance of a mixed farmland landscape for biodiversity
• developing management plans for habitats and species and assisting with agri-environment grants
  

Working on species and habitats

Using the knowledge of experts and amateur naturalists to research and survey species and habitats of conservation concern to

• identify priorities for action
• use this information to inform land owners and land managers
  

Partnership working

Many issues are complex and require the co-operation of several organisations, for example, development, flooding and coastal management. The Wildlife Trust can offer independent advice and lobby Government on national policy for these priority BAP topics.