The Convention on Biological Diversity was signed in 1992 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in connection with the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED). The objectives of the Convention are the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources, including by appropriate access to genetic resources and by appropriate transfer of relevant technologies, taking into account all rights over these resources and to technologies, by appropriate funding. Each contracting party shall develop national strategies, plans or programmes for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity. A UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) was published in 1995 (UK Biodiversity Steering Group, 1995) and is being followed by further measures.
The UK Biodiversity Action Plan (1995) identified a list of Species of Conservation Concern, from which priority species were identified together with priority habitats within the UK. Species Action Plans, Species Statements, or Habitat Action Plans have been prepared for priority species and habitats, now referred to as UK BAP species and habitats. Maritime species and habitats are listed in UK Biodiversity Group, (1999).
For further information see:
- UK Biodiversity Steering Group, 1995. The UK Steering Group Report - Volume II: Action Plans. London: HMSO. Available from: www.ukbap.org.uk/librarysearchresults.aspx?ID=619
- UK Biodiversity Group, 1999. UK Biodiversity Group Tranche 2 Action Plans - vol. V: maritime species and habitats. Peterborough: English Nature. Available from: www.ukbap.org.uk
- View individual Biodiversity Action Plans at: www.ukbap.org.uk
- The Biodiversity Action Plans for Northern Ireland are available at: www.ehsni.gov.uk/natural/biodiversity/hap_ni.shtml
- Department for Environment and Rural Affairs Web pages on coastal and marine Biodiversity Action Plan priority species and habitats in England: www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-countryside/ewd/biostrat/html/m3.htm
- MarLIN's Marine Life Topic Note: Marine Biodiversity. Available from: www.marlin.ac.uk/PDF/MLTN_biodiversity.pdf
