Biodiversity Northern Ireland

Biodiversity Awareness Survey

In 2008, Derry City Council on behalf of the Derry and District Biodiversity Partnership, commissioned a Biodiversity Awareness Survey to establish the baseline of biodiversity awareness in the area. The survey was repeated in June 2010 to meet Derry's Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) objective, to conduct Biodiversity Awareness Surveys every two years.

The survey results show that 68% of respondents were aware of the term 'biodiversity' and 38% understood the meaning of the term. This represents a 200% increase in awareness and a 300% increase in understanding of the term over a two year period. A total of 76% of respondents were able to relate biodiversity to their quality of life and were concerned about the decline of biodiversity in Northern Ireland. Many demonstrated a willingness and enthusiasm to take actions that will benefit biodiversity, with 74% feeding the birds in winter and 67% practising wildlife friendly gardening. The majority of respondents (73%) were aware of a priority species or habitat and 47% of respondents could identify an invasive species.

69% of respondents were aware of communications relating to biodiversity, representing a 200% increase in awareness since the baseline survey was conducted in 2008. Local newspapers provided the most effective form of communication. The increase in awareness and understanding of biodiversity can be attributed to the success of Derry City Council's publicity campaign to meet the LBAP aim, 'to raise awareness and knowledge of biodiversity issues'.