Book contents
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- List of contributors
- Foreword
- Preface
- Acknowledgements
- List of abbreviations
- 1 Introduction
- PART I FACTORS DRIVING CHANGES IN WILDLIFE
- PART II CONSERVATION IN ACTION
- 12 Conservation in action in Britain and Ireland
- 13 Wildlife in the UK Overseas Territories
- 14 The United Kingdom's role in international conservation
- PART III THE CASE HISTORIES
- Glossary
- Name index
- Subject index
- Plate section
- References
12 - Conservation in action in Britain and Ireland
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 August 2012
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- List of contributors
- Foreword
- Preface
- Acknowledgements
- List of abbreviations
- 1 Introduction
- PART I FACTORS DRIVING CHANGES IN WILDLIFE
- PART II CONSERVATION IN ACTION
- 12 Conservation in action in Britain and Ireland
- 13 Wildlife in the UK Overseas Territories
- 14 The United Kingdom's role in international conservation
- PART III THE CASE HISTORIES
- Glossary
- Name index
- Subject index
- Plate section
- References
Summary
Summary
Nature conservation in the UK today is very different from that practised 50 years ago. A wide range of organisations contributes to looking after a healthy environment and it is vital that we make this work relevant and accessible to the general public. The financial resources for biodiversity conservation have grown enormously and devolved governments look after a broad environmental agenda. The evidence-based approach to understanding changes in our species populations and habitats, and how to address them, will be increasingly important in the context of climate change. The legislative basis for nature conservation is strong, and domestic law is underpinned by European Directives and international conventions. Key cases demonstrate the effectiveness of the legislation and the Public Inquiry at Dibden Bay is a good example of how the regulatory framework can secure protection. The organisation of statutory nature conservation and the contribution of the voluntary sector each have their own limitations and successes. Some issues as yet remain intractable, and for the future we look to an ecosystem services approach to bring together our efforts at protecting wildlife for its own sake and for the value it brings to society and humanity. As new marine legislation comes forward, how we protect our seas in future will be a key measure of our success.
Introduction
There are many accounts of the history of nature conservation in these islands, for example Adams 1996, and much written about the status of species and habitats and about biodiversity by which our view of the health of the environment is often measured.
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- Silent SummerThe State of Wildlife in Britain and Ireland, pp. 167 - 183Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2010