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Health check for Scotland's environment
09/10/2007
The first set of Biodiversity Indicators to measure the state of the natural environment in Scotland has been launched today.
They cover the wide range of Scotland's biodiversity, including the relationship between people and the natural world, and have been produced through close partnership between a number of bodies.
Opening the UK Biodiversity Partnership Conference in Aviemore, Minister for Environment Michael Russell said:
"Scotland is lucky to be blessed with unique biodiversity: inspiring landscapes, exciting wildlife, and opportunities all around us to enjoy them.
"We should be very deeply proud of our fantastic natural environment. It is a part of our national identity, and provides the raw materials for all our lives. It is vital that we look after it properly.
"The Scottish Government is firmly committed to safeguarding Scotland's biodiversity. However, it's clear that our natural environment faces major challenges.
"Over generations humans have destroyed habitat, used resources unsustainably, introduced invasive species, and have failed to protect wildlife. We are determined to reverse that damage wherever we can.
"The indicators published today show that there have been successes in some areas, but there is still much to do to protect the natural environment in Scotland. We must all play our part - Government alone cannot make the difference.
"As we move forward to face these new challenges, it is vital that we have a clear sense of direction, and can check that we are making a difference. The indicators will demonstrate the success of work carried out and what still needs to be done."
The Biodiversity Indicators for Scotland were developed by partners in the Scottish Biodiversity Forum, including Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) , Scottish Government, RSPB, Butterfly Conservation, SEPA, Forestry Commission, and the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology.
The UK Biodiversity Partnership is a partnership of those involved in protecting and conserving the natural environment. It includes government, public agencies, local authorities, NGOs, academics, and private landowners. The Partnership meets annually around the UK to share experiences and set future directions. This year's conference is being held in Aviemore.
The conference runs over 3 days (October 9 to 11), with the chairmanship being shared between Defra (day 1), Scottish Government (day 2) and SNH (day 3) and is being held at the MacDonald Aviemore Highland Resort, Aviemore. During the conference delegates will get hands-on experience of Scotland's biodiversity, and be involved volunteering in conservation projects in the area.
The UK Biodiversity Partnership was formed in 2002 to take forward delivery of the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP), which was the UK's response to the international Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Membership of the partnership is open to all organisations and bodies which have an interest in the UK BAP and the development of policy on biodiversity. The partnership holds a conference each year, rotating between the four UK countries, to bring together organisations and individuals leading biodiversity conservation in a lively exchange of information, best practice and ideas. Attendees include representatives from government, agencies, local authorities, NGOs, academics, and private landowners.