Volume 1
Biodiversity : the UK Steering Group report.
- Great Britain. Biodiversity Steering Group.
- Date:
- 1995
Licence: Open Government Licence
Credit: Biodiversity : the UK Steering Group report. Source: Wellcome Collection.
105/112 page 101
![Precautionary principle Defined in the 1990 White Paper in the following terms “where there are significant risks of damage to the environment, the Government will be prepared to take precautionary action to limit the use of potentially dangerous materials or the spread of potentially dangerous pollutants, even where scientific knowledge is not conclusive, if the balance of likely costs and benefits justified it’. Protozoa The simplest form of animal life; most are single cells and can be seen only with a microscope. They live mainly in freshwater, on sea shores and in soil. Ramsar Convention Originally agreed in 1975 to stem the progressive encroachment on, and loss of, wetlands, it requires the designation of Wetlands of International Importance. Red Data Book species Catalogues published by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) or by National Authorities listing species which are rare or in danger of becoming extinct globally or nationally. Sometimes species are included for which the national authority hosts a large part of the world’s population, and has an international responsibility to conserve them. Semi-natural habitats Habitats or communities that have been modified to a limited extent by man, but still consist of species naturally occurring in the area. Set-aside Normally arable land removed from agricultural production as a requirement for receiving agricultural support. Special Area of Conservation A site designated by the UK Government under EC Directive 92/43 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora. Special Protection Area A site designated under Article 4 of EC Directive 79/409 on the conservation of wild birds. Together SACs and SPAs form a network of European sites known as Natura 2000. Species action plan A conservation plan for a species based upon knowledge of its ecological and other requirements, which identifies the actions needed to stabilise and improve its status. 101 SSSls - Site of Special Scientific Interest An area of land notified under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 as being of special nature conservation interest. The SSSI designation applies throughout GB. Sites are notified by the appropriate country conservation agency. Statement of forest principles Agreed at the Earth Summit in 1992. Countries are encouraged to prepare national plans for sustainable forestry. Sub-species A group of interbreeding populations with different characteristics (physical and genetic) from other populations of the same species, frequently isolated geographically from other populations of the same species. Sustainable development Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Systematics The study and arrangement of living things into groups as closely as possible according to their evolutionary relationships. Taxonomy The science of describing, naming and classifying living things. Tir Cymen A voluntary whole farm scheme for countryside conservation in Wales, designed and operated by the Countryside Council for Wales. Farmers may be offered annual payments in return for the positive management for the benefit of wildlife, landscape archaeology and geology and for providing new opportunities for quiet enjoyment of the countryside. Vascular plants Plants that have a vascular system, ie contain vessels for conducting liquids. This includes all of the flowering plants, conifers, and ferns and their allies. Vertebrates Animals with a backbone; mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish. Wildlife Enhancement Scheme A scheme run by English Nature for SSSI] owners and occupiers to encourage positive land management for wildlife or geology.](https://iiif.wellcomecollection.org/image/b32218941_0001_0105.jp2/full/800%2C/0/default.jpg)
