Biodiversity
Biodiversity means, "the total variety of all living things". It is "our living bank balance ".
Biodiversity is the life support system for our planet and serves us in many ways, providing:
- Food, medicines and other materials
- A clean and healthy environment
- Colour and beauty to our surroundings
- Spiritual uplift and restorative therapy
- An important part of our arts, cultures and traditions
Sustainable development
Biodiversity is a measure of sustainable development, helping us to gauge how we meet our needs today without impacting on the quality of life for our children and the needs of future generations.
The Biodiversity Duty - What does it mean?
The Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 gives all public bodies a duty to further the conservation of biodiversity. The Act came into force on 29 November 2004. Whether you are a local authority, health board, agency or other public body, involved in health, arts, tourism, sport, education or business development there is a role you can play to support biodiversity, from simple direct actions to educating others and raising awareness. A significant contribution can come from supporting the work of the Scottish Biodiversity Forum and helping to implement the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy.
The Scottish Biodiversity Strategy
In 2004 the Scottish Executive published its strategy for the conservation and enhancement of biodiversity in Scotland, “Scotland’s Biodiversity – It’s In Your Hands”. The Scottish Biodiversity Strategy and further information relating to Biodiversity and the Biodiversity Duty are available on the Biodiversity Scotland website at www.biodiversityscotland.gov.uk.