Biodiversity
It includes all living things and the habitats in which they live. The importance of biodiversity was acknowledged internationally at the Earth Summit 1992, and when the UK Government became a signatory to the Convention on Biological Diversity, a UK Biodiversity Action Plan was produced. The production of Local Biodiversity Action Plans (LBAPs) was subsequently recommended in order to promote improvements in the environment on a local scale.
Launched on 1 April 2004, the Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) for Inverclyde, Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire is a partnership initiative between the local authorities and a range of conservation organisations. The LBAP, which includes a range of actions for identified habitats and species to increase local biodiversity, was augmented with new action plans in 2008/09. The LBAP is also used to raise awareness of biodiversity in the area and to involve everyone including local communities, landowners, scientists, industries and business in the process.
Under the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004, all public bodies in Scotland are required to further the conservation of biodiversity when carrying out their responsibilities. The Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 further requires public bodies in Scotland to provide a publicly available report, every three years, on the actions which they have taken to meet this biodiversity duty. Inverclyde's Biodiversity Report 2011-2014 can be downloaded from this page.
To help you find some of the best accessible family walks along Inverclyde’s beautiful coast and through its woodland, upland and moorland areas, a simple guide has been produced. You can download TAKE A WEE WALK ON THE WILDSIDE from this page. The guide also provides information on when you can enjoy the areas stunning wildflowers. You will also find information on the Inverclyde Pollinator Corridor, which is an ambitious project set up by beekeepers and concerned local residents to ensure the survival of pollinators.