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Best Value and Biodiversity in Scotland: A HANDBOOK OF GOOD PRACTICE FOR PUBLIC BODIES
FOREWORD
The publication of "Best Value and Biodiversity in Scotland" is an important step towards placing environmental concerns at the heart of public policy.
It is recognised that public bodies, and particularly local authorities, have been instrumental in protecting and enhancing our biodiversity for many years. Indeed, many of the excellent examples contained within this document serve to illustrate that action for biodiversity is well established in certain sectors.
However, if we are to improve our quality of life and the physical environment in which people visit, live, and work we must find the most effective and efficient delivery mechanisms. This guidance aims to help local authorities and other public bodies by providing practical recommendations and examples which will ensure that awareness and understanding of biodiversity and best value cuts across all service delivery areas.
The Scottish biodiversity arena is evolving. With the launch of the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy "Scotland's Biodiversity: It's In Your Hands" earlier this year, a vision for a 25-year framework for action was set. The Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 places a statutory duty on public bodies to further the conservation of biodiversity. Formal guidance on the biodiversity duty will be provided in due course. "Best Value for Biodiversity" provides detailed advice for a particular sector engaged in delivering a range of statutory duties relating to biodiversity.
Public bodies have a unique role to play in delivering best value for biodiversity. Whether it is through provision of services or as facilitators, they are in a unique position to co-ordinate the delivery of cross-cutting targets and objectives. The task may not always be straightforward but this guidance is an important step towards helping achieve common goals.
The Scottish Biodiversity Forum is pleased to introduce a document filled with so many practical examples and helpful recommendations. Biodiversity conservation is a core function of public bodies, by ensuring that this function is delivered in accordance with the principles of best value we will ensure that the delivery is open, efficient and accountable.
Malcolm Muir
Chair, Local Biodiversity Action Plan Working Group
Scottish Biodiversity Forum
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