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Ministerial Foreword
The enforcement of environmental law is an essential element of how we go about securing environmental and wildlife protection.
Recent initiatives to strengthen the enforcement of environmental law in Scotland include a network of environment and wildlife Area specialists in COPFS, 1 the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2003, the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004, the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005, the Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2005, and the formation of the Wildlife and Habitats Crime Prosecution Forum.
I am convinced that we can do even more to strengthen the enforcement of environmental law. To that end, I seek a more cohesive, flexible, fair and efficient enforcement strategy, a strategy that provides for effective and proportionate enforcement responses at all levels including credible sanctions to ensure that tough and effective action can be taken against those who fail to meet acceptable standards.
In taking forward action to strengthen enforcement, I will endeavour to streamline the regulatory duties placed on business, without, of course, compromising compliance with environmental law.
The publication of this consultation paper underlines the importance we attach to protecting our environment. It also demonstrates our commitment to strengthening the enforcement of environmental law and to tackling the issues from all angles and at every level.
I look forward to hearing your views, and to working together to protect our environment.
Ross Finnie, MSP
Minister for Environment and Rural Development
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