Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP)
National and International Action for Biodiversity
Although locally driven and developed, the Dumfries and Galloway Local Biodiversity
Action Plan is part of a national and international programme designed to maintain and enhance biodiversity globally. The
need to protect biodiversity was recognised by world leaders at the 1992 Rio ‘Earth Summit ’ where the UK and
150 other countries signed the ‘Convention on Biological Diversity ’. In 1994 the government published the UK
’s Biodiversity Action Plan, which set out steps needed for biodiversity conservation in the UK (Biodiversity: the UK
Steering Group Report, 1995). Scotland has a ‘Scottish Biodiversity Group ’ made up of a range of organisations
both in the public and private sectors that have an important role in acting for biodiversity in Scotland.
Dumfries and Galloway Local Biodiversity Action Plan
Following two years of work by a broad partnership of organisations and individuals, the Dumfries and
Galloway Local Biodiversity Action Plan was published in June 1999. It identifies important wildlife habitats and species
across the region and outlines the action necessary to protect and enhance them. The Plan has subsequently won the 1999 Scottish
Award for Quality in Planning, the 2000 Scottish Silver Green Apple Trophy for Environmental Best Practice, and was nominated
by the Royal Town Planning Institute in Scotland for the Institute’s UK Award. The partnership is now in the process
of implementing the Local Biodiversity Action Plan, with actions being linked to other strategic initiatives and co-ordinated
by a Project Officer based in the Council. Successful implementation will provide opportunities for economic regeneration
and enhance the quality of life for Dumfries and Galloway’s residents and visitors.
The Dumfries and Galloway Biodiversity Partnership have now prepared a draft of a second edition and
is seeking comments on this draft from everyone with an interest in Dumfries and Galloway’s biodiversity. You can
download a copy of the Consultation Draft on the DGC biodiversity miniweb.
Solway Heritage provides the secretariat for the LBAP Steering Group quarterly meetings
and works with the Biodiversity Project Officer on a number of projects. Joint working has included the Mammal Guardians
project and organising the Dumfries and Galloway Wildlife Festival 2008.
