A Convention on Biological Diversity was signed in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 and highlighted the need to develop national strategies for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity. Antrim Borough Council is contributing to this strategy by starting to develop a Local Biodiversity Action Plan. The aim of this plan is to conserve and enhance the biodiversity found within the Borough.

Action plans will be written for important local habitats and species which are currently being identified. The actions developed within these plans may then be taken forward as projects by individuals, organisations and community groups. The action will be co-ordinated by a Biodiversity Officer who is jointly funded by Antrim Borough Council and the Environment and Heritage Service (EHS).

Some examples of how Biodiversity will be encouraged or protected in Antrim include:

Education and awareness events – to include a Backyard Biodiversity day
Delivery of the actions that will be contained in the Borough of Antrim Local Biodiversity Action Plan by a variety of partners
Identify and motivate members of the public to carry out biological recording

How can Biodiversity benefit us?

The biodiversity around us every day contributes to our quality of life and general well being. We may not be aware of this, as it is a free resource.

Conserving our biodiversity involves making sure that rare habitats and species do not become extinct. It also means making sure that the common species that we enjoy watching are present throughout our borough and do not disappear from the areas where we live.