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West Midlands Biodiversity Pledge

Stafford Borough Council have recently signed the West Midlands Biodiversity Pledge:-

We Acknowledge:

• That biodiversity and the natural environment have a vital role to play in enhancing wellbeing and the quality of life
• That biodiversity is under threat from climate change and other human-induced pressures
• Our duty under the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 to have regard to the purpose of conserving biodiversity in carrying out our functions.

We welcome the:

• Social, health, environmental and economic benefits which come from biodiversity
• Opportunity for local government to lead the drive to conserve and enhance biodiversity at a local level

We commit our Council to:

• Ensure the conservation of biodiversity is incorporated into all relevant corporate strategies, plans and programmes.
  
  
• Champion the benefits of biodiversity within local partnerships including Community Strategies and Local Area Agreements.
  
  
• Consider the impacts of climate change on biodiversity and review policies and actions to assist wildlife to adapt
  
  
• Participate actively in Local Biodiversity Partnerships and assist with the delivery of Local Biodiversity Action Plans.
  
  
• Protect and enhance biodiversity within the planning system and deliver the key principles for biodiversity set out in national planning guidance. 
  
  
• Seek to ensure that up-to-date biodiversity data is available and used appropriately and support the maintenance and development of Local Record Centres.
  
  
• Work in partnership with others to identify, protect and enhance Local Sites of Importance for Biodiversity, taking them into account within the planning and land management systems.
  
  
• Protect and enhance biodiversity within the local authority estate .
  
  
• Promote the social benefits of biodiversity in the delivery of public services such as recreation, social care and health. 
  
  
• Supporting access to nature and understanding of the natural world within formal and informal education and community engagement.
  
  
• Raise awareness of all staff, elected members, contractors and the general public with regard to biodiversity issues.

For more information contact the Biodiversity Officer
Link: Contact Us