All Local Biodiversity Action Plans share
the common overall goal identified by the UK Action Plan;
namely to conserve biological diversity within the UK and
contribute to the conservation of global biodiversity through
all appropriate mechanisms. The means by which the overall
goal is achieved may differ from plan to plan as particular
local circumstances may colour the overall objectives. The
special circumstances that apply in London, particularly
the sheer size and complexity of the conurbation, have resulted
in a set of objectives designed to make the London action
planning process inclusive. These objectives will help ensure
that the conservation of biodiversity is pertinent to all
decisions affecting the management and development of land
in London. Therefore, all those with an influence over biodiversity
will be encouraged to play a part in conserving it.
The first volume of the plan of action for
London is the London Biodiversity Audit, a foundation document
that describes the distribution of major habitats and species
present in London. It contains fifteen habitat audits and
four habitat statements and outlines the potential threats
and opportunities for conservation. Audits for most of the
major groups of species have also been produced, with much
of the information supplied by the London Natural History
Society.
The second volume will be the crucial next
step in the process, requiring realistic, carefully targeted
and costed actions for habitats and species that are considered
priorities in London. The process of turning audit into
action will be the appropriate stage to widen the Partnership
and harness the expertise of new and established partners.
These organisations will act as key contributors to individual
Habitat or Species Action Plans.
The Thames Estuary Partnership is the first
partner to take this step from audit to action by agreeing
to spearhead the Tidal Thames Habitat Action Plan. This
Action Plan will complement recent management guidance for
the Thames Estuary.
It follows that the London Biodiversity
Action Plan can never be a static document · it will
be in constant evolution. Audits and Action Plans will need
to be updated as new information becomes available and there
will need to be monitoring and regular reviews to assess
whether targets have been met.
Objectives of the
London Biodiversity Action Plan
- To conserve and enhance London’s
variety of habitats and species, in particular: habitats
and species of international, national or London importance;
habitats and species which are locally distinctive; habitats
and species which have particular value as indicators
or flagships; habitats and species that are sufficiently
widespread to be appreciated by most Londoners
- To ensure that the conservation of biodiversity
is integral to the decision-making processes of all organisations
with the ability to influence biodiversity conservation,
particularly those with a direct influence over land management
- To increase public awareness of, and
involvement in, conserving biodiversity
- To develop innovative methods for the
effective conservation and interpretation of biodiversity
in the urban environment
The London Biodiversity
Audit
Habitat Audits:
Woodland; Open Landscapes with Ancient/Old Trees; Acid Grassland;
Chalk Grassland; Grassland, Meadows and Pasture; Heathland;
Grazing Marsh and Floodplain Grassland; Marshland; Reedbed;
The Tidal Thames; Canals; Ponds, Lakes and Reservoirs; Churchyards
and Cemeteries; Railway Linesides; Farmland; Rivers and
Streams
Habitat Statements: Private Gardens; Parks, Amenity
Grasslands and City Squares; Urban Wasteland; Hedgerows
Species Audits: Vascular Plants; Birds; Butterflies;
Macro-moths; Dragonflies; Other Invertebrates; Mammals,
Reptiles and Amphibians
The future success of the London Biodiversity
Action Plan depends upon involving people in all aspects
of the process. The presence of such a variety of green
open spaces in London derives, in part, from people’s
need for easily accessible places to spend their free time
· whether taking part in formal sports or relaxing and enjoying
the natural environment. Enjoyment and appreciation of these
open spaces is essential for promoting an understanding
of the natural world, fostering a sense of ownership of
the environment around us and reducing any unintended loss
or damage to biodiversity.
It appears that there is a lack of understanding
of the importance of biodiversity in our lives, despite
increasing awareness of the damage human activities cause
globally. For an action plan to be effective, it must contribute
to closing this gap in our learning experiences. Biodiversity
education is therefore a key ingredient in an Action Plan,
as it encourages individuals to become environmentally aware
and skilled in taking environmental decisions. Another vital
aspect of biodiversity action planning is extensive public
consultation, without which any action to conserve species
and habitats may be poorly understood.
Biodiversity education
enables people to:
The election of a Mayor for London and the
establishment of a new strategic authority (the Greater
London Authority, or GLA) will provide new opportunities
for nature conservation and may well set precedents for
biodiversity action in other urban areas of the UK.
The Mayor will be required by law to prepare
and publish a Biodiversity Strategy. This is an important
step as it will be the UK’s first statutory commitment
to planning for biodiversity. Eight strategies will be produced
in all and the new legislation requires that they are consistent
with each other. For the first time, it will be necessary
for all aspects of planning and development to take account
of biodiversity conservation as a statutory obligation.
It is hoped that the Mayor’s Biodiversity
Strategy will build upon the information and ideas already
generated by the London Biodiversity Partnership. For more
information go to
The Mayor’s
Strategies
We need to integrate our activities with
the requirements of the natural world in order to achieve
sustainable development. In general, all work oriented to
protecting and enhancing biodiversity is a key indicator
of sustainability. However, over and above that principle
the London Biodiversity Action Plan and the Mayor’s
Biodiversity Strategy can encourage actions at a local level
that contribute in turn to other aspects of sustainable
development. These include the health and education of Londoners,
promoting inward investment and alleviating the impact of
the capital on other areas.
The Partnership recognises the crucial importance
of working together for the future of London’s biodiversity.
London is world-renowned as a green capital and this is
a new opportunity for us to invest in it together.
