Launch of 'Conserving Biodiversity - the UK approach'

PRNewswire-GNN London 12 October

London, 12 October /PRNewswire-GNN/ --

DEPARTMENT FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS News Release (364/07)
issued by The Government News Network on 12 October 2007
Information Bulletin

A new approach to conserving the UK's wildlife and habitats has been published
today by the Government.

The new framework called 'Conserving Biodiversity - The UK Approach',  calls
for joined up working across the public, voluntary and business sectors
in the UK on a variety of agreed goals and priorities for the greater good
of biodiversity.

The framework has been agreed by the UK Government and the devolved
administrations. Shared priorities for action will include developing data,
taking targeted action for priority species and habitats, engaging people
and encouraging behaviour change. The needs of biodiversity will need to
continue to be embedded into all relevant sectors of policy.

Achievement of this vision will require a more holistic or ecosystems
approach, where we recognise the interconnections between living things, their
environment, and the services they provide. Our climate is changing, and it
is more vital than ever before that our conservation efforts help our most
important wildlife habitats to adapt and increase their chances of survival.

'Conserving biodiversity - the UK approach' sets out ways in which individuals
can help promote biodiversity:

* Create, or encourage others to create, wildlife friendly spaces - at home,
in your local community and through work
* Enjoy your local wildlife friendly space
* Support the work of wildlife conservation organisations - for example,
spend time volunteering for your local wildlife trust or get involved with
the British Trust for Ornithology's Garden Birdwatch
* Think before you buy, for example wildlife-based souvenirs from overseas
trips and sustainably-sourced products
* Record what you see and send results to your Local Records Centre
* Exercise your civic duties to ensure those that represent your views
reflect your environmental concerns

'Conserving Biodiversity - The UK Approach' can be found here.
http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-countryside/pdfs/biodiversity/ConBioUK-Oct2007.pdf

The approach has been prepared by the UK Biodiversity Standing Committee
on behalf of the UK Biodiversity Partnership. It was unveiled at the UK
Biodiversity Partnership Conference in Aviemore, Scotland, which brings
together the biodiversity community to build a strong common purpose.

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