Research Paper (RP)

Introduction

The construction sector is currently experiencing a period of sustained growth. In 2006, total construction output stood at €35.89 billion, equivalent to 24% of GNP, a 7.9 per cent volume increase on 2005 levels. It is however expected that construction growth in 2007 and beyond will slow down a little to match the slower growth of the wider economy. This rate of development, coupled with a steady increase in human population, is placing significant stress on our native wildlife populations. Land that may once have been a habitat for wildlife species is being converted into residential and commercial developments, roads and other uses. The development of land and related activities impact both the quantity and quality of wildlife habitat. These guidelines provide an overview of those impacts and offer some strategies for the reduction in the impact of development on native wildlife (Carr, 2001).

Biodiversity means the variety of all life on earth from the smallest and simplest micro-organism to the complex system that is a rainforest. It includes the habitats and ecosystems which support this life and how life-forms interact with each other and the rest of the environment. Biodiversity is important because it provides a source of significant economic, environmental, health and cultural benefits. It provides us with a large amount of goods and services (such as food, medicine, raw materials and clothing) that help us to sustain life on earth. It is these goods and services that allow us to live on this planet. The wellbeing and prosperity of earth's ecological balance as well as human society directly depend on the extent and status of biological diversity. (CBD, 1992). Businesses depend on the earth's biological resources as essential components and services for the operation of their day-to-day activities, such as clean water and raw materials. It is therefore important that there is a sustainable supply of these resources to ensure economic growth. However, biodiversity is constantly under threat both here in worldwide (Brody, 1989). Activities such as increased development, inappropriate agricultural practices, poorly managed afforestation and climate change have all put pressure on countries biodiversity with the result that many species of plants and animals are now under threat of extinction. It is vital, therefore that all sectors in society play their part in the protection of biodiversity.

Thesis statement: Rampant construction must be curtailed to preserve natural animal habitats.

Discussion

Almost all development sites will have some wildlife or habitat interest regardless of whether they are located in rural or urban areas. Many of our most important sites are designated for conservation at the European level (i.e Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas) or at the national level (National Heritage Areas). However, many sites which are not subject to such designation may also be important for wildlife in their own right. In all cases, wildlife and/or habitat value should be determined at an early stage in a project and all efforts should be made to avoid, or avoid as far as possible, any potential ...