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Towards a strategy for Scotland's biodiversity: Biodiversity Matters!
Executive Summary
This is a proposed strategy for the protection and enhancement of Scotland's biodiversity resource. It is also a strategy for Scotland's people to encourage their understanding and enjoyment of biodiversity and their contribution towards its conservation.
Caring for our rich and varied natural heritage of plants and animals, habitats, soils and waters is not just the responsibility of government, its agencies, local authorities and environmental charities - it is a job for everyone. The conservation of our natural resources adds to the colour and diversity of our lives and their effective stewardship is vital in creating a sustainable future.
The draft strategy has been developed by the Scottish Biodiversity Forum at the request of the Deputy Minister for the Environment, Allan Wilson MSP. Many organisations and individuals have contributed to its development through a series of workshops and seminars. Ownership of the strategy stretches far beyond the Forum and the Executive, and we hope will in time reach out to every citizen of Scotland. The Forum has already consulted widely and now offers its recommendations to the Scottish Executive.
The Forum will continue its work in developing a suite of action plans and indicators collaboratively with the purpose of delivering the strategy objectives and measuring its progress.
The biodiversity strategy should be a strategy for people. It has to be understood by Scotland's people, reflecting their concerns. It is as much about our quality of life as it is about other species in our world. It is about getting the balance right. I believe that we must make the link between biodiversity and people, encourage their appreciation and raise their awareness. That is how we will make the difference. Allan Wilson MSP, Deputy Environment Minister |
The strategy lays down a clear 25-year vision for biodiversity in Scotland:
Scotland is a nation where the conservation and enhancement of biodiversity underpins all decision making and practice to ensure the environment is sustained for its people.
In achieving this vision we will aim to:
Halt the loss of Scotland's biodiversity and continue to reverse previous losses by targeted action for species and habitats
Raise awareness of the many benefits of biodiversity by significantly increasing the number and range of people contributing to its conservation and enhancement
"It wouldn't be the same without the wildflowers and the butterflies on the croft, not at all the same. They're as important to me as the TV" Bella Macrae, Crofter, Strathglass |
Action for biodiversity in Scotland is founded on 3 key principles:
Provision of a framework for action
Promoting the conservation, enhancement and sustainable use of Scotland's biodiversity by placing people at the heart of the strategy
Gathering, developing and applying the best available knowledge to assist people in understanding, caring for, enjoying and making wise use of Scotland's biodiversity
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