BAP Process

The Biodiversity Convention

In June 1992, the Earth Summit was held in Rio de Janeiro. Over 150 countries including the United Kingdom signed the Convention on Biological Diversity. The main aim of the Convention is essentially a commitment to conserving and sustaining global biodiversity.

The UK Biodiversity Action Plan

As part of its response to the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, the government established a Biodiversity Steering Group in 1994. Biodiversity: The UK Steering Group Report was published in 1995 and set out national biodiversity objectives.

This report recommended that the best way forward was to produce local Biodiversity Action Plans (local BAPs) in order to compliment the UK BAP. Since this initial report, a further six volumes of 'Tranche 2' have now been published, these now detail over 400 species action plans and 40 habitat action plans.

Barn Owl by Moonlight. Photo Copyright Darin Smith

Local Biodiversity Action Plans in the UK

Local Biodiversity Action Plans (LBAPs) identify priority habitats and species at a local level, setting targets for their conservation and outlining the mechanisms for achieving these targets.

The emphasis is very much on a planned, partnership approach, but clearly some organisations and individuals will be able to contribute more than others. It is also essential that there is a feeling of ownership amongst local people and organisations.

What the Staffordshire Biodiversity Action Plan (SBAP) accomplishes

It assesses the biodiversity resource of Staffordshire, and highlights gaps in our knowledge;
It identifies which national targets are relevant to Staffordshire and translates them to a local level;
It identifies local priorities for nature conservation in Staffordshire, allowing resources to be targeted;
It ensures that priorities in Staffordshire are consistent with those in neighbouring counties;
It promotes the partnership approach, allowing resources and effort to be combined for maximum effect.