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New laws to protect wildlife and environment
29/11/2004
New laws which place Scotland at the forefront of
international action to protect wildlife and the
environment came into force today.
The Nature Conservation Act imposes a wide-ranging duty
on Scotland's public sector to conserve biodiversity and
protect the nation's precious natural heritage.
Implementation is linked to a national biodiversity
strategy endorsed by the Scottish Executive.
The Act strengthens protection for Sites of Special
Scientific Interest (SSSIs). The maximum fine for
intentional or reckless damage to Scotland's most important
natural land and wildlife habitat is raised from £5,000 to
£40,000.
Offences include unauthorised development, wilful
fire-raising, the removal of plants or animals and damage
caused by motorised vehicles.
Deputy Minister for the Environment and Rural
Development, Lewis Macdonald said:
"The Scottish Executive is committed to promoting
biodiversity and protecting the environment.
"The Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act provides a
robust system for safeguarding Scotland's most special
places and addresses the need for improved protection of
vulnerable wildlife.
"We recognise that successful conservation means
balancing the needs of people and places. This Act places
Scotland at the leading edge of international biodiversity
conservation."
John Markland, Chair of Scottish Natural
Heritage said:
"This is a very important turning point for nature
conservation in Scotland and we look forward to working
with others to implement the Act. It will lead to a less
bureaucratic system for protection of our most threatened
animals and plants, whether they occur on sites of special
scientific interest or elsewhere, away from protected
sites.
Lloyd Austin, Chair of RSPB also said:
"RSPB Scotland and other environmental charities have
campaigned hard to ensure our wildlife has the level of
protection necessary, given the steep decline in
populations of many of our species. The Nature Conservation
(Scotland) Act has brought wildlife legislation in
Scotland up to date, and we look forward to a more secure
future for the environment, and more resources for positive
management by landowners."
NFUS Vice President Bob Howat said:
"Farmers play a crucial role in managing some of
Scotland's most valuable wildlife sites. This Act provides
the vehicle to support farmers' continued management of
SSSI's, which cover 12 per cent of Scottish farmland. The
Act is crucial to protecting and enhancing these areas.
The new system of management provides for easier
administration and the introduction of an appeals mechanism
on designations will also strengthen the relationship
between farmers and SNH."
The Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act was launched by
Lewis Macdonald, during an event held at the Royal Botanic
Gardens in Edinburgh and attended by representatives of
various interest groups.
Scottish Natural Heritage is the Government's statutory
advisor in respect of the conservation, enhancement,
enjoyment, understanding and sustainable use of the natural
heritage.
Key features of the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act
2004 are:
A new
biodiversity duty which obliges all public
bodies to further the conservation of biodiversity.
A
comprehensive revision of the Site of Special
Scientific Interest (SSSI) system - to deliver
better protection for sites of nature conservation.
New offences of damaging SSSIs will catch
both owners/occupiers and members of the public who
deliberately or recklessly damage or destroy protected
sites.
Copies of the Act can be found at
http://www.scotland-legislation.hmso.gov.uk/legislation/scotland/acts2004/20040006.htm.
Explanatory notes are available at:
http://www.scotland-legislation.hmso.gov.uk/legislation/scotland/en2004/2004en06.htm