Nature Conservation and Biodiversity
Ecologist, Nature Conservation Officer, Biodiversity Officer, Reserve Warden, Landscape Officer, Environmental Scientist, Conservation Adviser, Countryside Manager, Biological Field Surveyor, Water Conservation Officer
The Sector
Conservation covers rural and urban landscapes; flora and fauna; recreation and education; and maintenance and enhancement of the environment. Biodiversity embraces our efforts to protect what remains of the wildlife in the world. Much of the work focuses on identifying and recording species presence and abundance. Developing a robust understanding of the needs of the individual species and how they interact is an integral part of process. This can then be transferred into Biodiversity Action Plans (BAPs). In addition to BAPs, plans are also generated for species and habitats. All of these have to be developed and implemented, so there is much to do. See what CIWEM is doing to celebrate biodiversity through their portfolio of awards.
Sector Profile
Environmental conservation employs an estimated 56,000 people working for 5,000 organisations, along with many voluntary conservation jobs. The conservation sector employs highly qualified employees, with many having higher education qualifications.
Issues and Trends
Issues in conservation primarily concern retaining, restoring and enhancing habitats for the benefit of wildlife. This seems relatively simple but the pressures on land in the UK for development and transport infrastructure mean that much time is taken up with evaluating the best environmental option and endeavouring to quantify costs and benefits.
Legislation is in place now to ensure that wherever possible, development is designed and located to minimise environmental impacts. New developments require Environmental Impact Assessments, with ecology and nature conservationists contributing. The Water Framework Directive and more effective use of natural floodplains also present opportunities.
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