Dundee City Council have announced a new action plan to protect, enhance and raise awareness of biodiversity in the city over the next ten years.

Biodiversity is the variety of all living things, high levels of biodiversity ensure the natural sustainability of all life, which is particularly important in this time of global climate change. This diversity includes both common species as well as rare or protected species.

Recent reports such as 'The State of Nature 2019' and the first inter-governmental global assessment of biodiversity, ecosystems and their contributions to people by The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) have highlighted the decline of biodiversity both nationally and internationally. The actions in this new plan will ensure that Dundee contributes to national and global actions to protect nature.

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Dundee City covers 6300 hectares and 41% of the city area is publicly accessible greenspace – one of the highest percentages of any Scottish city and has a high level of biodiversity for such an urban area.

The Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) highlights and raises awareness of the wildlife in Dundee in an international, national and local context.

Dundee's Biodiversity Action Plan will build on the survey work at the Locally Important Nature Conservation Sites and Local Nature Reserves previously carried out.

The implementation of these biodiversity actions will assist in the delivery of the city-wide 'Climate Action Plan'. These plans will work together to benefit water and air quality throughout the city, reduce soil erosion, increase carbon capture and improve levels of biodiversity.

This plan will allow for monitoring and assessment of biodiversity actions and will facilitate the Council reporting on its Biodiversity Duty.

Neighbourhood Services Committee Convener, Councillor Anne Rendall, said: "Dundee City Council recently declared a climate emergency and recognises the importance of biodiversity in reducing and mitigating the effects of climate change.

"Everyone can do their part to help biodiversity from gardening at home to volunteering in a local greenspace.

"As the Council's Tree Champion, I have been involved in various tree planting days in the city. I have derived immense pleasure from knowing that I am contributing to the landscape both now and in the future."

(MH/CM)