How is a bioregional plans related to a systematic biodiversity plan?

A bioregional plan must be based on a systematic biodiversity plan. Key characteristics of a systematic biodiversity plan are:

• The principle of representation, which is the need to conserve a representative sample of all biodiversity patterns (ecosystems and species).
• The principle of persistence, which is the need to maintain ecological processes that allow ecosystems to function and enable biodiversity to persist in the long term.
• The setting of quantitative biodiversity targets for biodiversity features, indicating how much of each feature is required in order to conserve a representative sample of biodiversity patterns and key ecological processes.
• Spatial efficiency (meeting biodiversity targets as efficiently as possible in terms of the amount of land required) and conflict avoidance (where possible avoiding conflict with other land uses).

The systematic biodiversity plan must be done at a meaningful spatial scale in order to inform land-use planning and decision-making. It must include terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity features, and identify a portfolio of critical biodiversity areas required to meet biodiversity targets, including explicit ecological corridors. The systematic biodiversity plan must use the most up-to-date, accurate, fine-scale GIS input layers available and appropriate, scientifically sound methods and techniques.

The relationship between systematic biodiversity plans, bioregional plans, and multi-sectoral planning and assessment tools.