FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Biodiversity?

'Biodiversity is the totality of the world's living thing's including generic make-up and the communities they form'

Oxford Children's Encyclopaedia (Oxford University Press 1996)

What does Biodiversity Include?

'Biodiversity is all living things, from a tiny garden and to the giant redwood tree. You will find biodiversity everywhere, in window boxes and in wild woods, roadside verges, rain forests, snow fields, freshwater rivers and lochs and the seashore ..... We are part of biodiversity and depend on it for our quality of life ... It is a means measuring the world's life systems. Biodiversity is the living bank that everyone should invest in.'

Biodiversity: the UK Steering Group report

Why is Biodiversity Important to all of us?

Biodiversity is the variety of all living things, it is important for human existence i.e. oxygen, water, food, clothing, health and relaxation. The value of our biodiversity extends from cultural and landscape benefit to economic potential for new developments in medicine, food and natural services.

What is happening with the Local Biodiversity Action Plan?

Partners in Argyll & Bute are already delivering on the Habitats and Species identified in the Local Biodiversity Action Plan, which was launched in September 2001.

What is Argyll & Bute doing for Biodiversity?

• We have set up the Argyll & Bute Biodiversity Partnership with a membership of 31 organisations and a number of individuals who have made a commitment to supporting Biodiversity, while at the same time underpinning the initial declaration (Convention on Biological Diversity) signed by the UK government at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992.

• In order to support the Rio convention we are committed to writing the Argyll & Bute Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) that will bring about action to manage and conserve our wealth of habitats and species that are under threat.

• A list of habitats and species have been prioritised for action,  it is by no means definitive and will be added to as this process continues,, it is after all, a living document.

• 3 Technical Groups have been identified to write action plans for Land-use, Freshwater and Marine & Coastal habitats and species (Flora & Fauna)

• A fourth technical group, Education & Publicity has the remit to raise awareness and provide links with education.

• A Local Biodiversity Officer is employed to co-ordinate and help to deliver the Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) for Argyll & Bute allied with supporting projects to deliver actions identified in the LBAP.

• Engaging with statutory and non-government organisations, local Community Councils and community groups to link with and promote biodiversity

What can I do for Biodiversity?

• Get involved with local groups who have an interest in the Environment, if there isn't one locally, why not form your own group with friends and family.

• Look at your gardening practices, it can just be a window box or container to a large garden. RSPB, SNH, the Horticultural Traders Association, SWT, provide information on ways of encouraging Biodiversity in your garden.

• Look closer at the variety owe have in nature, it could be plants or animals, learn to recognise them, become knowledgeable, encourage others.

• There are lots of ways you can support biodiversity by looking at more efficient ways we use natural resources i.e. energy saving - switching off a light, better insulation in our homes etc. Recycling waste is another way we can help reduce adverse effects on the environment, use recycling banks, composting etc.

• The Argyll & Bute Local Biodiversity Action Plan will provide more information.

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