Birds and the Bees Week - Discover the Western Isles ‘Natives’

27 August 2002

Birds and bees are just a flavour of what’s on offer at events throughout the Western Isles between 30th August and 8th September 2002.

The Comhairle has organised a programme of events throughout the Western Isles as part of Scottish Biodiversity Week.

Scottish Biodiversity Week is 9 days of events and activities for children, grown ups, schools, families, businesses, in fact everyone. It aims to raise awareness of Scotland’s biodiversity - the rich variety of animals, plants, fungi, microbes and the habitats in which they live. A wide range of activities, from guided walks, talks and exhibitions to competitions and practical work opportunities have been organised across the country.

The various local events will allow you to discover more about the Western Isles’ native (and non-native) species and to explore a variety of habitats from the miles of shoreline, which encircle the islands to the machairs of the Uists and Barra, the hills of Harris and the woodland in the Stornoway Castle Grounds.

You can get involved and

• have a great day out
• find out what biodiversity actually is
• discover why it is important for your health and the health of the planet.

This is the second year the week has run nationally, and it coincides with the World Summit on Sustainable Development, which is being held in Johannesburg and will include a civic delegation from Scotland led by First Minster Jack McConnell.

To find out more about what is being done for biodiversity in the Western Isles and for a full programme of events, see www.cne-siar.gov.uk/biodiversity or contact Anne MacLellan on 01870 603428, email: amaclellan@cne-siar.gov.uk.

Notes to the Editor

1. Biodiversity (short for biological diversity) was a term first coined at the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, and encompasses all the wildlife and habitats in our ecosystem.

2. Biodiversity is important as it is the life support system for our planet and helps sustain us. It provides us with oxygen, clean water, a range of foods, clothing, health and relaxation.

3. The UK Biodiversity Action Plan, which was published in 1994, is Britain’s response to the convention and sets out an attainable goal for biodiversity conservation. A major means of implementing this Plan is through the preparation and application of plans at local level i.e. through Local Biodiversity Action Plans (LBAPs).

4. The Comhairle is co-ordinating the production of a LBAP for the Western Isles in partnership with SNH, RSPB, SEERAD, SCF, Western Isles Fisheries Trust, Western Isles Fishermen’s Association, Western Isles Aquaculture Association and landowners.

5. The events being held in the Western Isles during Scottish Biodiversity Week will help to raise awareness of our local biodiversity, one of the aims of the LBAP.

6. The World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg is held between 26 August and 4 September and marks a ten-year anniversary of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, held in Rio de Janeiro. On the agenda is Population; Poverty & Inequality; Food & Agriculture; Freshwater; Forests; Energy; Climate Change; Health & Water; Health & Air Pollution.

ENDS

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Nigel Scott
Communications Officer
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

Tel: 01851 709389 (Work)
Tel: 01851 706412 (Home)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk