Following the 1992 Earth Summit, the UK Government initiated the production of a national Biodiversity Action Plan and recommended the preparation of local plans. The purpose of the Carmarthenshire Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) is to implement the national plan at a local level. The Carmarthenshire LBAP aims to:   

Maintain and enhance the biodiversity of Carmarthenshire through the preparation and implementation of individual action plans, covering a range of selected habitats and species which reflect both national and local priorities.

l Develop effective local partnerships to co-ordinate and deliver biodiversity action in Carmarthenshire. l Raise public awareness of the importance of conserving and enhancing Carmarthenshire's biodiversity. l Monitor progress in achieving local biodiversity targets and to report on such progress to a national biodiversity database.

The Carmarthenshire LBAP is being produced by a partnership of 17 organisations concerned with the conservation of the county's wildlife. The LBAP contains a series of action plans covering the nationally threatened or declining species and habitats in the county, as well as species and habitats of local concern. It includes for example, action plans for lowland meadows, upland oak woods, red squirrel and water vole.

Each action plan includes actions aimed at safeguarding that particular habitat or species within the county. If these actions are to succeed, they will require a number of individuals and organisations to work together in partnership - including land owners, government agencies, wildlife conservation groups, local authorities and industry.