Western Isles Biodiversity
The Partnership Approach
The biodiversity planning process is underpinned by the fundamental principle that the process needs to involve a wide range of sectors, organisations and individuals, some of whom may not have been previously involved in planning for nature conservation. The development of partnerships is essential for the successful implementation of the objectives and targets in the UK Action Plan and in particular for action at local level.
The key benefits of developing LBAP partnerships are:
- raised awareness; understanding of the process; disseminated information;
- shared workloads, resources, expertise and responsibilities; and
- joint 'ownership' of the plan.
In May 2001, the Comhairle agreed to the establishment of a Steering Group to progress the Western Isles LBAP.
Western Isles LBAP Steering Group
A local Steering Group has been established comprising representatives of key organisations and sectoral interests with a significant interest in biodiversity issues in the Western Isles. It is envisaged that these organisations and sectors will have a major role in delivering biodiversity objectives in the Western Isles.
Steering Group Composition
- Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
- Crofters Commission
- Forestry Commission Scotland
- John Muir Trust
- Landowner interests
- Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
- Scottish Agricultural College
- Scottish Crofting Foundation
- Scottish Environment Protection Agency
- Scottish Executive Environment & Rural Affairs Department
- Scottish Natural Heritage
- Scottish Wildlife Trust
- Western Isles Fisherman's Association
- Western Isles Fisheries Trust
- Western Isles Aquaculture Association
Role of the Steering Group
The role of the Steering Group is to direct the LBAP process, to take decisions on how to tackle the various steps involved, and, in due course, to ensure that the implementation of action plans is monitored. The Steering Group will aim to quantify the success of the LBAP and report this to the Scottish and UK level Steering Groups.
The Steering Group is also tasked with keeping other organisations, likely to have an interest in biodiversity, abreast of progress as the LBAP is developed. These include Community Councils, Western Isles Enterprise, Western Isles Tourist Board, Scottish Water and Chamber of Commerce.
