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This document is a Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) for the Scottish trunk road network. It sets out the commitment of the Scottish Executive to conserve and enhance biodiversity on Scotland's trunk road network. It is designed to provide information and guidance both for those directly involved in managing the trunk road estate, and for those who work to encourage biodiversity in the region. The Plan seeks to integrate local and national biodiversity initiatives, to ensure consistent and positive effort towards improving the natural environment in Scotland. The overall goal of the Trunk Road Biodiversity Action Plan (TRBAP) is to contribute to biodiversity objectives by protecting Scotland's natural heritage on and adjacent to the trunk road network using cost-effective techniques.
To achieve this goal, a seven point plan has been set down:
1. Work to identify and understand the variety of species and habitats that exist along the network, and the inter-relationships between them and the activities of the trunk road Division.
2. Develop sustainable, cost-effective management practices that work with natural processes.
3. Formulate best practice guidance on maintaining and enhancing areas of value, setting targets for action which are compatible with local, regional and national biodiversity objectives.
4. Work in partnership with others. The active involvement of many different organisations is an essential part of implementing national and local biodiversity objectives. Habitats and species do not respect man-made boundaries, and this Action Plan will take full advantage of opportunities to encourage biodiversity by looking beyond the boundaries of the trunk road estate and working in partnership with adjoining landowners and other organisations.
5. Work to promote biodiversity awareness and an understanding of locally important species and habitats to a wide audience.
6. Influence, through the trunk road Division's Environmental Management System, those third parties and indirect activities which may have an impact upon biodiversity.
7. Develop and publicise progress and examples of best practice, thereby encouraging others to build on the experience gained.
The Scottish Executive is committed to maintaining a safe, efficient road network. Within this overriding objective there are many opportunities for cost-effective contributions to the aims of biodiversity. This Plan sets out how, when and where these can be achieved, and by whom.
Detailed Area Action Plans will be developed in consultation with the biodiversity partnerships as this document is implemented, building on the outline plans included in Part C. These will set out objectives, targets and actions for locally important habitats and species.