Environmental management systems such as EMAS and ISO 14001 are used by
industry to set objectives and monitor progress towards environmental targets
of legislative compliance and resources use but they do not consider site
biodiversity. There is no industrial culture of proactive biodiversity management
but industry and local authorities are becoming aware that there is a need for an
industrial management system that considers biodiversity. Such a system would
be of direct benefit to industry and enhance the planning capability of local
authorities controlling clusters of industries and derelict industrial sites.
Sustainable biodiversity management has established proven benefits to
companies in the United States. The Wildlife Habitat Council (WHC) is a
non-profit organisation that has been the main driving force in stimulating
interest among American companies to manage their wildlife habitats.
Participation is voluntary and, if successful, a WHC accreditation certificate is
issued. However, a structured approach to biodiversity planning that involves
implementation of action plans and regular auditing is required.