Biodiversity

Biodiversity is the word used to describe the variety of life on earth. It refers to the wide variety of ecosystems and living organisms: animals, plants, their habitats and their genes. 

The UK Biodiversity Action Plan 

In 1992 the Convention on Biological Diversity, also known as the Rio Convention was signed by 159 countries at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. It called for the creation and enforcement of national strategies and action plans to conserve, protect and enhance biological diversity. In response to this the UK launched the UK Biodiversity Action Plan to preserve and enhance the countries important wildlife and habitats. This approach was then taken up on a more local level and Action Plans were developed on an area basis.

Exmoor’s Biodiversity Action Plan

The National Park Authority has its own local Biodiversity Action Plan.  Exmoor is a very rich area for wildlife, and many of the priority habitats and species identified by the UK Plan are found here.  The challenge for the Exmoor BAP is to increase Exmoor’s biodiversity by targeting those species and habitats most valued nationally and locally, by building partnerships with others and by promoting understanding and support for biodiversity and its conservation.