Western Isles Biodiversity

Key Steps In The Process

In Scotland, Local Biodiversity Action Plans are being progressed by all the local authorities. The process of developing local action plans involves several distinct steps.

1. The Comhairle agrees to establish a Steering Group, supported by an Audit Group.
2. Steering Group should agree broad objectives while the Audit Group reviews the wildlife resource of the area within the national and local context and establishes a database.
3. The Steering Group will consult with local people via a series of Public Meetings on Biodiversity.
4. Together the Steering Group and Audit Group will identify priorities within the national and local context and develop species and habitat action plans with specific targets and proposals for action.
5. The Steering Group should then identify appropriate mechanisms, sources of finance and advice in order to deliver the proposed actions and produce a draft plan.
6. The Comhairle, working with the Steering Group, will co-ordinate consultation on the plan and launch the finalised plan.
7. The Steering Group, together with other organisations identified in the plan will implement the agreed programme of action.
8. The Audit Group should establish a long-term programme to measure the effectiveness of the plan in achieving national and local targets.
9. The Steering Group and Audit Group should put in place procedures to monitor and review the plan.