International Year of Biodiversity

Humans are part of nature’s rich diversity and have the power to protect or destroy it.  Biodiversity, the variety of life on Earth, is essential to sustaining the living networks and systems that provide us all with health, wealth, food, fuel and the vital services our lives depend on.  Human activity is causing the diversity of life on Earth to be lost at a greatly accelerated rate, impoverishing us all and damaging the life support systems we rely on everyday.  2010 is a time to reflect on what has been achieved to safeguard biodiversity internationally and to focus on the urgency of challenges for the future.

How are we recognising the IYB in Bromley?
As part of worldwide action during the 2010 International Year of Biodiversity you are encouraged to consider what ‘biodiversity’, or the variety of life on Earth, does for you on home-ground! 

We form part of the natural world. In appreciating how biodiversity provides us with air, food, recreation, urban drainage, culture and so much more, everyone living and working in the Borough has reason to make nature relevant and of value to them.  Through events, surveys and practical action, 2010 is a year when even more people in Bromley can come to understand and play a part in helping biodiversity right across the Borough.

An IYB leaflet has been produced by the London Borough of Bromley on behalf of the Bromley Biodiversity Partnership.  To see a copy click here or pick up a copy from your local library, Civic Centre Main Reception, Crystal Palace Park Information Centre or BEECHE (High Elms Country Park).  To receive copies by post, please ring 01689 862 815.

Want to find out more about IYB events in your area?

A suite of events have been organised by a partnership of residents and organisations including the Bromley Countryside Service,  World Heritage Bid Team,  Friends groups,  City of London, Kent Wildlife Trust, Crystal Palace Park Rangers and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.  Through these events people will have a chance to take in a ‘tour’ of the Borough by exploring biodiversity and its value in their own area or further afield.   See events listed on this website or take a look at  the IYB leaflet.

Want to join in the bird and tree IYB survey in Bromley?

Whatever age you are, the Bromley Biodiversity Partnership needs your help in surveying for species.  You are challenged to team up with others to record birds and trees for an hour in your neighbourhood!  Your results will be combined with those of others to provide a ‘photo-shot’ of information about some of the species living alongside us and where they are found.  How teams and areas fair against each other will be revealed during September!  Use the on-line recording form or print out a copy of the recording form for children (5-11yrs) or recording form for adults (11+ yrs) here.

Want to join in practical action to help biodiversity?

Find out about the volunteer groups active in your area here and see ‘Getting Involved’ for ideas on how you can help biodiversity.  This year you’re invited to do one thing to help wildlife !  Let us know what you get up to here. From September, why not join forces with others to arrange or get involved in ‘Green Muscle Days’  and so take steps to ensure that the natural environment is as healthy as possible for future generations to inherit, whilst getting healthier yourself!  Look out for a listing of ‘Green Muscle Days’ on these webpages from September!

To find out about IYB nationally, visit www.biodiversityislife.net hosted by the Natural History Museum on behalf of the IYB UK Partnership.

To find out about international effort for IYB, visit www.cbd.int/2010  hosted by the United Nations United Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation.