A significant number of local Biodiversity
Action Partnerships are now in existence and their primary purpose
is to focus resources by means of local partnerships to implement
conservation action for the priority habitats and species and locally
important wildlife and sites. Some of these partnerships have published
local Biodiversity Action Plans/Strategies, the content of which
are informed and guided by national targets so that their implementation
is firmly linked to national priorities. However, the plans also
seek to reflect the values of local people and provide a focus for
local initiatives and are important elements of the Community Strategies
being prepared by Local Strategic Partnerships to further the wellbeing
of their local areas.
There are 26 Local Biodiversity Action Partnerships (LBAPs) in
the South West Region. These range in scale from whole counties
(Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire) to individual
unitary authorities and districts (e.g. South Somerset, Taunton
Deane, Swindon, Torbay) or cities & towns (e.g. Bristol). Due
to the differing scales and specialisations of these LBAPs many
plans overlap both spacially, as is the case with Avon and Bristol,
and technically, in terms of shared aims and objectives. Many LBAPs
aim to protect similar habitats and species occurring in the region.
The differing approach taken by Local BAPs can be compared by consultation
with the habitat menu.
Some local partnerships have a dedicated officer co-ordinating
the partnerships and facilitating the work required to deliver action
on the ground. It is strongly evident across the country that more
is achieved through partnerships where co-ordinators are in post.
The contacts for each partnership are listed below.
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