This 1999 nomination by the Dumfries & Galloway Biodiversity Partnership is for the Dumfries and Galloway Local Biodiversity Action Plan. Claimed as the first of its kind in Scotland, Dumfries and Galloway is being used as a template for Local Biodiversity Action Plans across Scotland and the UK and the Dumfries and Galloway Local Biodiversity Action Plan is integrating with regional planning work. Dumfries and Galloway Local Biodiversity Action Plan is Scotland's first comprehensive 'LBAP'. It is the culmination of 2 years of work by a broad partnership of organisations and individuals with an interest in the future sustainable use of the natural resources of the region. Working groups have written and agreed objectives and actions for 23 habitats and 21 species, which reflect both national and local priorities. Sarah Boyack, Minister for Transport and the Environment, launched the LBAP on 30 June 1999, with the words " I am pleased to offer support to such an outstanding contribution to the future of biodiversity in this part of Scotland. Those involved in drawing together the Dumfries andGalloway Local biodiversity Action Plan are to be congratulated. It presents a clear and comprehensive vision for the future. I look forward to working with you and others dealing with biodiversity at the local level as we forge a sustainable future for Scotland." The LBAP provides a user-friendly framework for the consideration of biodiversity. Measurable, time-banded targets are based on the following central actions: No net loss of biodiversity; Identifying and safeguarding Local Wildlife Sites; Linking with other plans and processes (including Statutory Planning); Raising awareness; Monitoring; Collating biological records. The delivery of all of these can assist the land-use planning process. The Dumfries and Galloway LBAP has received wide acclaim across Scotland and the UK and is being used as a template for other LBAPs coming on stream. It provides good practice in plan writing for these initiatives and is developing best practice in implementation projects. The Dumfries and Galloway LBAP also provides an excellent example of local application of a national process as the new Parliament for Scotland takes on powers relating to the environment. Its method of working uses the partnership working and community involvement being encouraged in a devolved Scotland. Integrating with regional planning work: The statutory planning system is integral to the delivery of biodiversity objectives. The LBAP provides a framework to achieve the integration of biodiversity with both strategic planning and development control procedures. A project offer has been employed full-time for three years with in the planning department to facilitate plan implementation in recognition of this. The LBAP is being used in conjunction with guidance from RTPI and planning circulars on biodiversity to: Develop policies in Structure Plans; Develop policies in Local Plans; Input into work of Development Control; Inform Local Forestry Frameworks; Input into the forthcoming Planning Advice Note on Biodiversity. Local partnerships and community consultation on the LBAP has ensured a wide constituency of involvement, which has encouraged a wide ownership of the process. Linking planning with this process is adding value to statutory functions. In summary the Dumfries and Galloway Local Biodiversity Action Plan:
1) Outlines a framework for sustainable and wise use of resources in the region;
2) Acts as an interface between community and government action, which is needed for successful delivery of sustainable development.;
3) Presents information clearly so that it can be inputted into programmes policies and actions of all partners;
4) Presents a unique collection and digest of information about the natural heritage of the region and its importance;
5) Provides a framework for finding practical ways in which biodiversity can be delivered through statutory planning and wider partnership.
The judges asked for a presentation on this nomination. They were very impressed indeed with the way in which the Dumfries and Galloway Biodiversity Action Plan had been carried forward on a broad front, as a partnership drawing on local resources of technical expertise, practical action and community involvement. From its original focus of the Council, SNH and RSPB and through the creation of a part-time post, the number of people and groups engaged in the work had multiplied, raising awareness to new levels and establishing consensus. The results to date were practical and useful advice on habitats and species, and important contributions to development planning and trunk road management. The process was moving into new areas of community mapping and local records, meanwhile attracting new support, sponsorship and funding. The judges consider that this is work of an exceptional standard and have no hesitation in recommending the Dumfries and Galloway Biodiversity Action Plan for a 1999 Award in this category.