AN initiative was launched yesterday to protect some of the region's most precious coastal wildlife.

Among species targeted by the 23 Durham Biodiversity Action Plans (Baps) are basking sharks, baleen whales, a rare orchid and endangered species of lichen.

Launching the blueprint for their future survival, North-East Polar explorer Robert Swan jetted in from South Africa to make an impassioned plea for everyone to help protect the Durham Coast.

Baps set out action needed to preserve endangered species and contain guidance which can be used by organisations nationally and locally, including councils, government agencies, landowners, businesses, community groups and members of the public.

The latest round of Baps are believed to be the first in Britain which specifically target inshore waters and coastal areas such as rocky shorelines, wooded gills, sand dunes, wildflower meadows, rare limestone grasslands and kelp beds.

They were launched at Seaham Hall, in Seaham, by the Durham Biodiversity Partnership backed by the Countryside Agency, Easington, South Tyneside and City of Sunderland councils and the Environment Agency.

Mr Swan, who lives in Teesdale and is an environmental campaigner, said: "This is historic and important - I would not have travelled all the way from South Africa to be at the launch if it was not."

Delegates, including representatives of councils, government agencies, community groups and environmental organisations, heard that many of the problems facing the coast could be solved. They include the loss of grasslands to agriculture, damage caused by litter dumping, and water pollution.

Margaret Street, who compiled the plans and now works for English Nature, said: "Like all wildlife, coastal wildlife is coming under increasing pressure and we must think now what we want for our children.

"We have to act to conserve a healthy coast. It is our coast, anyone's ocean and the responsibility is ours."