This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Nature Conservation Bill
26/11/2003
Legislation before the Scottish Parliament will help to
deliver a more sustainable relationship between Scotland's
communities and the environment, according to Environment
Minister Ross Finnie.
The Nature Conservation Bill will see all public bodies
in Scotland taking a lead in promoting nature conservation
through furthering the conservation of biodiversity. The
Bill will also strengthen protection of Sites of Special
Scientific Interest (SSSIs).
Speaking as he gave evidence to the Environment and
Rural Development Committee, Mr Finnie said:
"The Nature Conservation Bill makes a real contribution
to achieving our long term vision for sustainability and
for responsible stewardship of our natural environment.
"It will safeguard and secure the future of Scotland's
exceptional natural heritage with new measures to protect
wildlife and a radical overhaul of the Sites of Special
Scientific Interest system.
"Scottish society - through our public institutions -
must lead the way in accounting for and addressing the
consequences for biodiversity of our collective
actions."
The Nature Conservation (Scotland) Bill was published on
September, 30 2003.