Linking EfS and Biodiversity? A UK-wide survey of the status of education within local biodiversity action plans

This article explores the potential for developing education for sustainability (EfS) through biodiversity planning in the UK. The current status of education within local biodiversity action plans (LBAPs) is evaluated using the findings of a UK-wide survey of action plans conducted in April 1999. Links between environmental education, EfS and biodiversity education are identified and international and national statements of policy are referred to. The conclusions drawn from this article are that biodiversity practitioners have the tools to deliver EfS through implementation of LBAPs—the concept allowing close links to Local Agenda 21, formal education, business and industry and the community at large. Currently there is a disparity between what is said and what is done, i.e. education is recognised as an important element of biodiversity planning but policy is not always included to encourage practical action. Practitioners should be wary of simply 'rebranding' environmental education as EfS for the complexity of the sustainability issue requires a new and innovative approach to involving individuals and organisations alike.