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| Biodiversity in Scotland: The Way Forward |
| CONCLUSION |
| We have come a long way since the UK made a commitment on paper to the principles of biodiversity and sustainable development at Rio de Janeiro in 1992. Five years on, the United Kingdom stands alone out of over 150 signatories to the Biodiversity Convention in the measured and substantial level of response it has achieved. We have drafted detailed, targeted and costed action plans to protect our threatened and declining species and habitats, and we are starting to implement them at national and local levels. Mistakes made in the past will take time to correct, and some of the difficulties we face in conserving our biodiversity are just starting to become apparent. We cannot turn the clock back to regain a past natural heritage, but we can make plans to shape a better future. |
| Scotland remains a vibrant working country, and many of the environments and species we value today carry the marks of the efforts of Scotland's people, in both urban and rural areas. The Government is committed to sustaining and empowering local communities, especially in rural parts of Scotland. Biodiversity is about finding ways of conserving our natural heritage, one of our most precious assets, while balancing this stewardship with the needs of local communities. |
| There are many and clear signs of hope for the future. Across Scotland at all levels, people are pooling their expertise and opinions and are starting to work together to understand the problems, to define the tasks ahead and to recognise the fundamental importance of biodiversity to our future. There are opportunities for many more people to become involved in this process, and the Scottish Biodiversity Group is a focus for action in Scotland. If you would like more information about the work of the SBG, or how you can contribute to taking biodiversity forward in Scotland, please write to the address below. |
| Sustainable development aims to ensure that our present quality of life can be maintained. Guarding our biological diversity is an integral part of planning for sustainable development. Biodiversity remains one of the most important indicators we have for the continuing health of our nation and culture. |
| For more
information, contact Mr John Ramsay Secretariat Scottish Biodiversity Group The Scottish Office Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries Department Rural Affairs and Natural Heritage Unit, Room 028, Pentland House, 47 Robbs Loan, EDINBURGH, EH14 1TY |
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