1.— (1) It is the duty of every
public body, in exercising any functions, to further the conservation of
biodiversity so far as is consistent with the proper exercise of those
functions.
(2) In complying with subsection (1), a public body must in
particular have regard to any strategy designated under
section 2(1).
(3) Conserving biodiversity includes—
(a) in relation to any species of flora or fauna, restoring or
enhancing a population of that species;
(b) in relation to any type of habitat, restoring or enhancing the
habitat.
(4) The Department may issue guidance containing recommendations,
advice and information for the assistance of public bodies in complying
with the duty under subsection (1).
(5) In this section "public body" means—
(a) a Northern Ireland department;
(b) a department of the government of the United Kingdom;
(c) a district council;
(d) a statutory undertaker within the meaning of the Planning
(Northern Ireland) Order 1991 (NI 11);
(e) any other body established or constituted under a statutory
provision.