BIODIVERSITY AREAS
You may come across a sign within our natural areas that proclaims : BIODIVERSITY AREA. So what is that all about?
The basic concept is self evident. But there is much more to it. Each of the following is covered extensively in the carious sources so is only briefly touched on here. It is well worth while following all this up to get the fuller picture.
No. It is not a cop out to reduce mowing! Something that has become very obvious when recording the plant and insect sections for this website, is the urgent need to understand the way they all co-exist symbiotically, so many in phases in the same area, over the seasons. Or suffer from competition due to unsuitable invasive species.
Unsurprisingly there is much to do with supporting natural ecosystems, controlling invasice species, maintenance of natural areas and the impact of people on natural areas. The West Dunbartonshire Council's BIODIVERSITY DUTY REPORT APR 2017 - MAR 2020 sets out a vision and objectives which are followed today. This can be found through the West Dunbartonshire Council link below.
As the Scottish Government states : Our awareness of the importance, value and fragility of nature is growing year on year. Through an impressive body of evidence we are building up a clearer picture of what needs to be done to care for and restore biodiversity. The work needed to improve matters is complex and challenging. You can find out much more about this on their website - see link below.
This follows the Convention on Biological Diversity. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), known informally as the Biodiversity Convention, is a multilateral treaty. The Convention has three main goals: the conservation of biological diversity (or biodiversity); the sustainable use of its components; and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources. Its objective is to develop national strategies for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, and it is often seen as the key document regarding sustainable development. [Wiki],
You will come across the term Aichi Biodiversity Targets. The Aichi biodiversity targets were established by the UN Convention of Biological Diversity and consist of 20 specific targets to address and mitigate biodiversity loss across the globe. [Earth Org.].
An area identified as a Biodiversity Area comprising a range of vegetation. This is on the raised beach between the Clyde and the cliff edge including Havoc Hole. index.asp?pageid=715664
In the Ministerial forward to the biodiversity consultation (2023 - see link below) the situation is emphasised :
We are in the midst of a biodiversity crisis. The facts are beyond doubt: nature is declining fast. It is estimated that 1 million species across the world are at threat of extinction. Here in Scotland, nearly half of our species have decreased in abundance and 11 per cent are under threat of extinction.
Nature has an intrinsic value, but its complex diversity and abundance of life is also central to our survival as a species. Our economy, jobs, health and wellbeing depend on it.
Restoring biodiversity is crucial in tackling the climate crisis, and tackling the climate crisis will be essential for restoring biodiversity. Across the world, ocean and land ecosystems remove about 50 per cent of the carbon emissions that are produced by us each year.
The Scottish Government is committed to restoring Scotland's natural environment and supporting thriving communities and wildlife alike.
Also see the following within this website:
- invasive species of plant - index.asp?pageid=732296
- litter picking and fly tipping - index.asp?pageid=721880
- muirland management : fire = index.asp?pageid=731602
- woodland management : regeneration - index.asp?pageid=731603
NATURE SCOT : https://www.nature.scot/scotlands-biodiversity/scottish-biodiversity-strategy-and-cop15/scottish-biodiversity-list
SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT : https://www.gov.scot/publications/scotlands-biodiversity-route-map-2020/
- The consultation mentioned above, Tackling the Nature Emergency - strategic framework for biodiversity: consultation can be found here. https://www.gov.scot/publications/tackling-nature-emergency-consultation-scotlands-strategic-framework-biodiversity/
WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL : https://www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/council/key-council-documents/plans-and-strategies/sustainable-development/biodiversity/
- The WDC BIODIVERSITY DUTY REPORT APR 2017 - MAR 2020 can be found here : https://www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/media/4319876/biodiversity-report.pdf
WIKIPEDIA : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Convention_on_Biological_Diversity
