School of Geography and the Environment

BioWatch UK: Participatory biodiversity assessment in the UK: building environmental governance.

Differences between non-scientific and scientific conceptions of biodiversity have implications for ways in which biodiversity is measured, valued and assessed. Local people, if given the opportunity to discuss survey findings and observations, often provide interpretations and insights that otherwise may have been missed were the results interpreted solely on a scientific basis. Involving communities, amateur enthusiasts or 'the public' in assessment of biodiversity can change values and interest levels of those involved. This can help to raise awareness of the Convention on Biological Diversity, and increase public interest in meeting its targets. Furthermore, the role of environmental governance, as an entry point for broader societal participation in governance is beginning to be recognised. We aim to explore this potential in collaboration with the Department of Politics and International Relations.

In the ETFRN Conference, although participation was weighted towards developing countries, there were many registrations from UK government and non-governmental organisations. Discussions during the follow-up seminar on Policy Implications of PAMEBs, held at the offices of the Department for International Development, indicated high levels of interest, and a wealth of relevant work in the UK which has not yet been documented. We therefore have an important opportunity to compare and analyse UK experience with that in developing countries. There are useful lessons in both directions: UK achievements in developing Local Biodiversity Action Plans are recognised as exceptional in contributing to the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity, and the UK benefits from a high level of amateur interest in natural history. On the other hand experiences in Nepal, Indonesia, Philippines and Colombia, among others, may indicate ways in which to strengthen community decision-making about resource management.