01/10/2006 00:01  Department for Environment, Food And Rural Affairs
(National)

New biodiversity duty on all public bodies

From 1st October 2006, all public sector bodies, from the police to
the BBC, will have to consider biodiversity in the work they do.
The new duty comes under Section 40 of the Natural Environment and Rural
Communities Act.
The aim is to raise the profile of biodiversity in England and Wales,
eventually to a point where biodiversity issues become second nature to
everyone making decisions in the public sector.
Over 900 public bodies will be affected, ranging from local authorities,
fire, police and health bodies, to museums and transport authorities.
Defra, in partnership with the Local Government Association, the Association
of Local Government Ecologists, English Nature, the Countryside Council for
Wales, Welsh Assembly and Wildlife and Countryside Link are working on
developing guidance to assist those affected in fulfilling their
responsibilities.
In recognition of the key role local authorities play with regard to
conserving and enhancing biodiversity, there will be two sets of guidance:
* specific guidance aimed at the needs and requirements of Local
Authorities; and
* a more generic guidance aimed at all public bodies affected.
The guidance will be produced in paper and electronic versions and is
expected to be published in early 2007.