United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

An update to eleven of the UK’s Biodiversity Indicators was published on the internet: www.jncc.gov.uk/biyp. Biodiversity Indicators in Your Pocket consists of 18 indicators grouped under the six focal areas identified by the Convention on Biological Diversity and the European Council:

1. Status and trends in components of biodiversity
2. Sustainable use
3. Threats to biodiversity
4. Ecosystem integrity and ecosystem goods and services
5. Status of resource transfers and use
6. Public awareness and participation

The overall trend of the indicators published shows that since 2000 there has been a general slowing and halt in the long-term decline in populations of key species or habitats. However it is important that efforts to halt declines are maintained.

Also published on the International Day for Biological Diversity was an update to 10 of the 51 England Biodiversity Strategy indicators (web site).

The list of habitats and species of principal importance for the conservation of biodiversity in England under the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 was also published. The 56 habitats and 940 of the species are already prioritised for conservation by the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (the UK’s NBSAP)

Natural England also announced a £5 million funding package grant scheme called ‘Countdown 2010 Biodiversity Action Fund’; over the next three years the scheme is open to Voluntary Conservation Organisations that directly contribute to the conservation of UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) priority habitats and species in England.

The Secretary of State for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, the Rt Hon Hilary Benn, opened the new Royal Entomological Society Headquarters, visited a Wildlife Trust nature reserve, and, together with Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra visited the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, to open the new Rhizotron and Xstrata Treetop Walkway.

Local events were held throughout the UK to engage local communities, promote biodiversity, and celebrate the day. For more information click here.