Bern Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats
Imposes obligations to conserve plants and animals with the emphasis on endangered and vulnerable species and their habitats. The provisions of this Convention underlie the EC Habitats Directive.

Biodiversity
Describes the ‘variety of life’, including diversity of species between and within habitats and ecosystems, and at a genetic level within individual species. It encompasses the whole range of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, insects and other invertebrates, plants, fungi and micro-organisms.

Biodiversity conservation
Similar to the idea of ‘nature conservation’ but places emphasis on threatened habitats and species. There is also a strong and implicit message that cultural/social and economic values are important in conservation planning.

Biodiversity: The UK Action Plan
Drawn up in response to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) signed at the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, this document (HMSO 1994) identified the means by which the United Kingdom should contribute to the global conservation of biodiversity over the next 20 years, in particular establishing the Biodiversity Steering Group to compile action plans far habitats and species.

Biodiversity: The UK Steering Group Report
This report (HMSO 1995) prioritised ‘key’ habitats and species for which action plans are to be produced. Each habitat or species action plan is national in scale and incorporates an assessment of current status, actions to be taken, quantifiable national targets and estimated costings. Species action plans are to be reviewed every five years, while those for key habitats run through to 2010.

Biogeographic
Pertaining to the geographical distribution of living organisms past and present, their habitats, and their ecological interrelationships.

Birds Directive
EC directive (79/409/EEC) relating to the conservation of all species of native wild birds in the EU. It provides for measures to protect, manage and control birds and habitats. The directive also institutes Special Protection Areas (see 'S').