Key Scottish Environment Statistics 2012
This publication aims to provide an easily accessible reference document which offers information on a wide range of environmental topics. It covers key datasets on the state of the environment in Scotland, with an emphasis on the trends over time wherever possible.
Status of UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) Habitats in Scotland: 2008
Status of UK BAP Habitats[5]
(based on 39 UK BAP priority habitats in Scotland)
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life. The conservation and enhancement of our rich and varied natural heritage of plants and animals, habitats and ecosystems, is essential to the quality of our lives and for a sustainable future.
In 1992, the UN Convention on Biological Diversity recognised the need to protect biodiversity. The UK was one of the 150 countries to sign up to the convention, and in 1994 the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP)[6] was launched. The plan aims to conserve and enhance the populations of species and habitats which are considered threatened within the UK.
Between 1995 and 1999, action plans were developed for 45 habitats in the UK[7], of which 39 occur in Scotland. As at 2008, of these 39, 15% of the habitats were increasing, 29% were considered stable and 33% were in decline.[8] For the remainder, 21% had an unknown trend and for 1 habitat the trend was unclear.
The Scottish Biodiversity Strategy, first published in 2004, sets out how Scotland plans to protect biodiversity in Scotland. Following the agreement of new targets under the UN's Convention on Biological Diversity in 2010[9] and the recent publication of a new European Biodiversity Strategy[10] the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy is currently under review.[11] The consultation is open until 26 September 2012 and a revised strategy is expected in 2013.
Source: Biodiversity Action Reporting System (BARS) / Metadata
Contact
Email: Sandy McPhee
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