| Directive 79/409/EEC on the Conservation of Wild Birds (the Birds Directive) and Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Flora and Fauna (the Habitats Directive) together require development of a network of protected areas representing the most important wildlife sites in Europe, known as the Natura 2000 network. The network is made up of Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), and is expected to cover around 7% of Scotland. |
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| The promotion of Natura 2000 sites may have an important future role in supporting the fragile economy of remote and rural Scotland, and the aim of this study was to identify the potential socio-economic benefits of Natura 2000 designations. The study reviewed existing literature and research, and described case studies in Scotland and the wider European Union. |
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| Key Findings |
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- The study reports that there are approximately 8,000 jobs directly related to the protection of the environment in Scotland and that approximately 2,600 of these jobs are located in rural communities.
- Wildlife tourism is already an important and growing sector within the Scottish tourist industry.
- Case studies from across the European Union suggest that there is potential to attract more European funding to Scotland to maximise the socio-economic benefits to be gained from Natura 2000 sites.
- There is a need for Natura 2000 to be promoted as a positive opportunity for rural communities, and a wider need for general awareness raising of the benefits associated with Natura 2000.
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| Main Findings |
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| The extent of Natura 2000 designations in Scotland reflects the high quality and international importance of Scotland's natural heritage. The designated sites will represent a broad range of habitats for diverse flora and fauna across Scotland, including the marine environment. The potential for socio-economic development associated with the sites will therefore vary considerably. |
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| The study suggests that employment related to the protection and conservation of the environment may increase, and that there is potential for more support for skills training associated with conservation management. Fifty percent of existing rural environmental jobs are already linked to the maintenance and enhancement of wildlife conservation, landscape protection and similar activities. Payments to support site management may increase the number of rural jobs in this sector. |
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| Wildlife tourism is already an important and growing sector within the Scottish tourist industry, and tourist spending provides significant support to businesses in rural communities. There is potential for traditional skills, such as stalking and boat handling, to be adjusted to meet the needs of the tourism market. |
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| Case studies from across the European Union suggest that there is potential to attract more European funding to maximise the socio-economic benefits to be gained from Natura 2000 sites. The case studies highlight opportunities for agricultural diversification, processing of natural plants, and for education and research through the development of visitor or field study centres. |
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| There is a need for Natura 2000 to be promoted as a positive opportunity for rural communities, and a wider need for general awareness raising of the issues associated with Natura 2000. Natura 2000 designations are likely to reinforce the 'clean green' image and profile of rural Scotland, and it is hoped that promoting Natura 2000 designations may encourage partnerships between land owners and local communities, encourage inward investment, and increase visitor numbers to rural Scotland. |
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| About the study |
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| The study was predominantly a desk study, conducted in 1998 by GF Broom of Geoff Broom Associates, and JR Crabtree, D Roberts, and G Hill of the Macaulay Land Use Research Institute. |
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| "The Potential for Socio-Economic Benefits from Natura 2000 Designations", the consultant's report which is summarised in this Research Findings is available priced £5.00. Cheques should be made payable to The Stationery Office and addressed to: |
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| This report can also be ordered online from www.thestationeryoffice.co.uk |
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| Further copies of this Research Findings may be obtained from: |
The Scottish Office Central Research Unit
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Telephone: 0131-244 7560 |
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| or from the publications section of The Scottish Office Website: www.scotland.gov.uk |