Listen
International Biodiversity Day
22/05/2009
Scots are being urged to help safeguard the environment, public health and the economy by taking part in International Biodiversity Day today.
Various events are being held across Scotland to raise awareness of Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS).
INNS are plants and animals originating from other countries which have the ability to spread and cause damage to biodiversity, our health and, at times, the way we live. INNS cause over £2 billion each year in damage.
Environment Minister Rosanna Cunningham said:
"International Biodiversity Day is a timely opportunity to raise awareness of Invasive Non-Native Species and the work being done in Scotland to combat them.
"They are one of the major causes of biodiversity loss and our rich natural heritage is at considerable risk.
"Giant hogweed not only spreads relentlessly along river beds preventing native plants from flourishing, it can cause painful burns on skin with animals and children both at risk.
"North American signal crayfish which have been found in 15 sites from Galloway to Inverness-shire, are voracious predators which threaten native populations of aquatic life.
"Various organisations, from Fisheries Trusts to local authorities and invasive species forums are organising events. Please lend your support to them and help protect our environment and our economy."
Events include:
Coldstream Angling Association - volunteer spraying party on 22 May to control Hogweed/Knotweed on the Tweed and Leet Water
- The Scottish Wildlife Trust Midlothian Conservation Team - undertaking the control of giant hogweed and Himalayan balsam on their Duddingston Loch Wildlife Reserve
- Esk Fisheries Trust and the Deveron, Bogie and Isla Fisheries Trust - launching Biosecurity plans in June
- Ness and Beauly Fisheries Trust and Highland Council - running an invasive non-native species event on 24 May in Glenurquhart woods
- Argyll and Bute Invasive Species Forum - launching the, "What's for the garden stays in the garden" campaign
- Argyll and Bute Council - holding a lunchtime walk on Invasive Non-Native Species at Kilmory Castle Gardens from 12.30 - 1.15
A number of projects concerning invasive non-native species have already taken place, such as:
Wester Ross Fisheries Trust with National Trust for Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage - held a 'Bees, Blooms and 'Biosecurity' day at Inverewe Garden on Saturday 16th May.
A project officer for the North Highlands Mink Control Project started on May 6. This is a partnership between a number of Fisheries Trusts (Cromarty Firth, Kyle of Sutherland, Ness & Beauly, Wester Ross, and West Sutherland), the Scottish Wildlife Trust, the University of Oxford, Forestry Commission Scotland, the University of Aberdeen and Scottish Natural Heritage