This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Nature Conservation Bill
30/09/2003
A comprehensive framework of measures for the enhanced
protection of Scotland's natural environment was announced
today.
The Nature Conservation Bill strengthens support for
Scotland's diversity of flora and fauna. It also includes
measures to:
• Conserve biodiversity and protect and enhance
Scotland's unique natural heritage
• Reform the SSSI (Site of Special Scientific
Interest) system for Scotland's most special places and
natural habitats for vulnerable species
• Reflect the Executive's wider commitments to
environmental protection, for rural Scotland and to local
communities
• Provide incentives to landowners to protect SSSIs
• Improve measures of protection for Scotland's
wildlife, to address deliberate and reckless acts which
threaten Scotland's animals, plants and wild birds
Speaking at the launch of the bill at Vane Farm Nature
Reserve in Kinross-shire, Environment and Rural Development
Minister Ross Finnie said:
"This bill sets out a comprehensive framework for the
protection of the valuable natural heritage which makes so
much of our land special.
"This bill is about people as well places. It seeks to
encourage action to protect a living environment, whether
urban or rural.
"The Nature Conservation Bill is the product of
extensive dialogue with environmental and land-owning and
management interests. Too often in the past environmental
protection has involved conflict and prohibition. The bill
we are publishing today has its roots in co-operation and
positive care for our special places. It is important that
everyone plays their part in protecting the richness and
diversity of the environment in which we live.
"Scotland's spectacular natural heritage deserves to be
valued in its own right. We recognise too that the natural
environment is also a vital resource. This bill helps to
ensure that that resource is used sustainably.
"The bill implements an improved system for safeguarding
nationally important sites. In extending the protection
for SSSIs we are taking steps to ensure the protection
given to designated areas is significantly enhanced.
"Public bodies have a vital role to play in protecting
and promoting the diversity of Scotland's flora and fauna.
This bill seeks to establish the duty they have in leading
the way to furthering that conservation.
"The framework we have now set out fulfils both our
domestic responsibilities and our international obligations
to manage sustainably Scotland's natural heritage. It
underlines our commitment to ensure that future generations
of Scots can share our pride in this unique
environment."
The Nature Conservation Bill was published in draft on
March 11 2003. It fulfils an undertaking given by the First
Minister in May 2002.
The bill complements the custodial sentences and other
measures for tackling wildlife crime in the Criminal
Justice (Scotland) Act 2003.
The legislation has been developed with assistance of an
Expert Working Group, made up of organisations involved in
conserving Scotland's natural heritage including RSPB and
NFU Scotland. It takes forward the proposals outlined in
the policy paper, The Nature of Scotland, launched in May
2001.
The Nature of Scotland outlined ways to provide
incentives for positive management of SSSIs by their
landowners or occupiers, so that more land managers could
benefit from owning an SSSI.
The Nature Conservation Bill significantly extends
stakeholder involvement in relation to the SSSI system.
The bill will be available from the Stationary Office
and on the Scottish Parliament's website.