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This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007

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Sustainable indicators published

19/02/2003

The Executive today published its Indicators of Sustainable Development for Scotland.

The report describes in detail the 24 indicators adopted in the Executive document ' Meeting the Needs... and highlights some of the main actions being taken to achieve them.

One example of these indicators is in recycling. The Executive last September announced an ambitious new target of recycling and composting 25% of municipal waste by 2006, and the report explains what actions are being taken to achieve this.

Environment Minister Ross Finnie said:

"Sustainable development means that we ensure our choices now do not limit the choices available to future generations. These indicators will provide information on the steps we are taking to achieve this goal.

"We have selected these indicators as a starting point. They provide a benchmark for more responsive and responsible development over the long-term.

"It will clearly be for successive administrations to make decisions on the information they provide. However, sustainable development continues to be a central element of this Executive's Programme for Government and we will review the usefulness of the indicators in 2003 in light of emerging opinion."

One of the Report's indicators relates to biodiversity. A draft strategy for Biodiversity is to be presented to Ministers at the Scottish Biodiversity Forum on February 25.

The Executive recently announced (February 3, 2003) funding of almost £110 million to assist local authorities in recycling and waste management targets. A National Waste Plan will also be launched on February 25.

Page updated: Wednesday, July 21, 2004