Biodiversity is shorthand for biological diversity – the total variety of life and habitats. The word was coined at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil in 1992.

International agreements have to be applied at a local level – “think global, act local”. Over the last few years, a group of local and regional organisations have been working in partnership with the countryside section of the Isle of Wight Council to produce action plans for the Island’s habitats.

Biodiversity is shorthand for biological diversity – the total variety of life and habitats. The word was coined at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil in 1992. International agreements have to be applied at a local level – “think global, act local”. Over the last few years, a group of local and regional organisations have been working in partnership with the countryside section of the Isle of Wight Council to produce action plans for the Island’s habitats.

But for there to be real success, there needs to be the backing of the individuals and groups that make up our community. Surveys show how highly residents value the natural environment, but there is often the feeling that the Island’s wildlife and countryside look after themselves, and so they are taken for granted. Island Futures, the Local Strategic Partnership, is developing themes to involve people in all aspects of Island life. The Island’s natural heritage is vital to each strand of this plan.

These six themes are taken from the Isle of Wight Biodiversity Partnership's publication, People for Nature, Nature for People.

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