What is a Local Biodiversity Action Plan?
A Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) sets out objectives and proposes action for the protection, conservation and enhancement of biodiversity with measurable targets to be implemented at the local level. Local Biodiversity Action Plans should reflect the values of local people and should cater for local distinctiveness.

As is the case in Tower Hamlets the majority of LBAPs are pr epared and implemented using a partnership approach. This means a partnership between the local government, other organisations, businesses and individuals working in, or with a strong interest in, biodiversity issues.

Background
In 1992, the UK Government signed up to the Convention of Biological Diversity at the Rio Earth Summit. This required the creation and enforcement of national strategies and action plans to conserve, protect and enhance biodiversity. The Johannesburg Summit in 2002 reaffirmed the importance of conserving the natural resource base and set a goal to achieve a significant reduction in the rate of decline in biological diversity by 2010.

As part of its commitment to this Convention, the UK Government published the UK's Biodiversity Action Plan in January 1994 setting out national targets for protecting critical species and habitats. During this process, it was recognised that actions at a country level were needed to meet these targets. This led to the publication of the England Biodiversity Strategy in October 2002. It stressed that in addition to areas of national significance, regional and local level areas also need to be researched and protected.

In recognition of the need for a London-wide approach, the London Biodiversity Partnership was established in 1996 to initiate a new biodiversity planning agenda for London. It culminated in the publication of the London Biodiversity Action Plan in two volumes.

The Mayor of London produced a Biodiversity Strategy in July 2002, setting out a broad framework for Biodiversity in London. This is the first statutory Biodiversity Strategy, produced as a requirement of the Greater London Authority Act (1999). The priority habitats and species selected by the London Biodiversity Partnership accord closely with the objectives of the Mayor's Strategy. The following two proposals have been taken from this strategy:

Proposal 5 - The Mayor will and Boroughs should take account of the protection of wildlife habitats and biodiversity in the consideration of all planning applications.

Proposal 6 - The Mayor will and Boroughs should ensure that new development capitalises on opportunities to create, manage and enhance wildlife habitat and natural landscape. Priority should be given to sites within or near to areas deficient in accessible wildlife sites, areas of regeneration, and adjacent to existing wildlife sites.

In further support of this, every London Authority is encouraged to work towards the principles and proposals it sets by producing its own Local Biodiversity Action Plan. There have been several Government drives placed upon local authorities to write an action plan. One such drive is the Local Government Act (2000), which requires local authorities to prepare a Community Strategy "for promoting or improving the economic, social and environmental well-being of their area". Section 48 of the DEFRA Circular (04/01) states that Local Biodiversity Action Plans should form an integral part of a local authority's Community Plan. Therefore, it is, by implication, a statutory requirement to produce a Local Biodiversity Action Plan.

Revision of the BAP for the next five year period
The current Tower Hamlets Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP), available here to download, runs until December 2008. Plans are already underway to begin working on the next five year period document which will run from January 2009 - December 2013.

The Project Plan for this process is as follows:

  • Evaluation report of current LBAP - January 2007
  • Consultation event February 2008
  • Drafting of the revised strategy by June 2008 (inc relevant Equalities Impact Assessment)
  • Design, layout and printing of document by July 2008
  • Go through formal council procedures to be adopted as council policy (August - November 2008)
  • Adoption/launch as formal council policy document by December 2008


All members of the community with an interest in biodiversity issues are welcome to attend the LBAP consultation event in February 2008.

The provisional date for this event is 1.30 - 5.30pm February 15th 2008.

The event will take place at: Oxford House, Derbyshire Street, Bethnal Green, London E2 6HG

If you would like to be included on the list of invitees, then please send use our online enquiry facility including your contact details and you will be sent all the relevant information and joining instructions.