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Legislation

Biodiversity conservation is an important dimension of sustainable development. The role of legislation on ensuring biodiversity is managed correctly has developed over time. The following diagram illustrates major milestones in respect to regulatory control.

1979 - The Bern Convention

This convention stipulates the flora and fauna that require protection, indicating which species are most vulnerable.

1979 - The Bonn Convention

Covers migratory animals and their protection.

1979 - EU Birds Directive 979/409/EEC)

This directive on the conservation of wild birds was adopted in 1979 by nine member states and formed the first piece of legislation on conservation. The RSPB defines the Birds Directive as a legal document that addresses the conservation of all wild birds throughout the European Union, including marine areas, and covers their protection, management, control and exploitation, applying not only to the birds, but their nests, eggs and habitat.

1981 - Wildlife and Countryside Act

The Wildlife and Countryside Act, as amended, is the principle legislative mechanism for protecting wildlife within Great Britain. This Act transposes the requirements of the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (the 'Bern Convention'), and the European Union Directives on the Conservation of Wild Birds (79/409/EEC) and Natural Habitats and Wild Fauna and Flora (92/43/FFC). The Act is concerned with the protection of wildlife, designation of protected areas, and covers public rights of way. More information can be found through the links page.

1992 - EU Habitats Directive (92/43EEC)

This directive was adopted in May 2002. The requirement for each member state was to compile a list of areas containing the habitat types and species listed in the Directive, for future preservation as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) or Special Areas of Conservation (SAC). It compliments the requirements of the Birds Directive and is administered through the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1992.

1992 - Rio Summit and Convention on Biological Diversity

150 world leaders at the Rio Summit adopted this convention. The convention sets out commitments for maintaining the world's ecological underpinnings as we go about the business of economic development. The Convention establishes three main goals: the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits from the use of genetic resources.

1994 - UK Biodiversity Action Plan

The UK Biodiversity Action Plan was established in January 1994, as a requirement of the Convention on Biological Diversity. It forms a national strategy for the conservation of biological diversity and the sustainable use of biological resources. More information can be found through the links page.

1998 - EU Biodiversity Strategy

This strategy was adopted in February 1998, with the aim to anticipate, prevent and attack the causes of significant reduction or loss of biodiversity at the source.

1999 - UK Sustainable Development Strategy

1999 saw the publication of the UK government’s Sustainable Development Strategy. A new integrated strategy has since been developed and publicised in March 2005. It contains more focus on environmental limits, new indicators and four agreed principles to focus on including sustainable consumption and climate change.

2000 - EU Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC)

Adopted in 2000, the Water Framework Directive sets a framework for the protection of inland surface waters (rivers and lakes), transitional waters (estuaries), coastal waters and groundwater; ensuring all aquatic ecosystems meet a good status by 2015.

2002 - World Summit on Sustainable Development, Johannesburg

The aim of the Summit was to reinvigorate, at the highest political level, the global commitment to North / South partnership in accelerating the implementation of Agenda 21.

2002 - Global Strategy for Plant Conservation

According to the Convention on Biological Diversity this strategy’s ultimate and long-term objective is to halt the current and continuing loss of plant diversity. The Strategy also considers issues of sustainable use and benefit-sharing, and aims to contribute to poverty alleviation and sustainable development.

2003 - Nature Conservation Bill

This Bill provides a comprehensive framework for the enhanced protection of Scotland’s natural environment.

2004 - Scotland’s Biodiversity – It’s in your hands strategy

Published in 2004, this document sets out a strategy for a framework for conserving biodiversity for the health, enjoyment and wellbeing of the people of Scotland. It covers a period up to 2030.

2004 - Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act

This Act places duties on public bodies in relation to the conservation of biodiversity, increases protection for Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), amends legislation on Nature Conservation Orders, provides for Land Management Orders for SSSIs and associated land, strengthens wildlife enforcement legislation, and requires the preparation of a Scottish Fossil Code.