The origins of the Kent Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) are bound by events of the past 12 years...

Earth Summit, 1992
UK Biodiversity Action Plan, 1994
Kent Biodiversity Action Plan, 1997
Working with the grain of nature. A biodiversity strategy for England, 2002
Kent Habitat Survey, 2003
Kent Biodiversity Action Plan

Earth Summit, 1992

The UK demonstrated their commitment to the conservation of global biodiversity in 1992 when more than 150 heads of government attended the 'Earth Summit' in Rio de Janeiro. One important outcome was the Convention on Biological Diversity, signed by 153 countries including the UK and the EC.

UK Biodiversity Action Plan, 1994

This marked the start of the UK Government's commitment to biodiversity. In 1994, the Government published 'Biodiversity: The UK Action Plan' at which point a UK Biodiversity Steering Group was set up to prepare action plans for animals, plants and habitats. The production of 45 Habitat Action Plans (HAPs) and 391 Species Action Plans (SAPs), containing specific actions and targets for UK BAP priority habitats and species, followed shortly after.

Kent Biodiversity Action Plan, 1997

The Partnership's Steering Group produced the 1997 Kent Biodiversity Action Plan. This document set out the first steps taken in partnership to conserve, enhance and restore biodiversity in Kent and as a contribution to the national targets of the UK BAP.

To view Kent BAP Implementation Summaries between 1999 and 2001, visit the Partnership's Project Library.

Working with the grain of nature. A biodiversity strategy for England, 2002

Since the launch of the UK BAP in 1994, there has been an increase in emphasis on the need to integrate biodiversity as a component of sustainable development, ensuring biodiversity is a positive part of all policies and programmes nation-wide. The need to engage and involve a wide variety of sectors and interests in biodiversity conservation is a national priority and, as such, now guides the Kent Biodiversity Partnership in developing our short, medium and long-term vision in Kent.

The England Biodiversity Strategy reinforces the important role of local biodiversity partnerships and the significant contributions of local BAPs.

Kent Habitat Survey, 2003

In 2003, a three-year partnership project led by Kent County Council came to a close. The result was an audit of all UK BAP broad and priority habitats in Kent. Presented in the form of a Geographical Information System (GIS), the location and area of all habitats was mapped and classified using aerial photographs and field survey. Information on the total area of UK BAP priority habitats in Kent provided members of the Partnership's Steering Group with information to focus conservation effort in Kent. An update of the 1997 Kent BAP was soon underway.

Kent Biodiversity Action Plan

Equipped with data on where UK BAP priority habitats are in Kent, the Partnership's Steering Group soon began a review of the 1997 Kent Biodiversity Action Plan and has now produced a set of 28 Kent Habitat Action Plans. Each Plan denotes the importance of conserving, enhancing and restoring the natural condition of a habitat by working together on projects.

To explore the 28 Kent Habitat Action Plans, go to Priority Habitats.

The Kent BAP seeks to be proactive in setting out what needs to be achieved in order to safeguard a future for biodiversity. It is a separate form of conservation to the protection of biodiversity offered by statutory legislation. The safeguarding of protected species and designated sites is not a topic covered here in detail. To find out more, either refer to the specific legislation or download a copy of Supplementary Planning Guidance for Biodiversity Conservation for an overview.