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Biodiversity fund launched
25/08/2010
Scotland's communities are being given extra help to improve and enhance their natural environment with new funding for biodiversity projects.
Up to £250,000 is being released by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) over the next two years to deliver biodiversity conservation at a local level.
Speaking at the Scottish Biodiversity Forum Conference in Glasgow, Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said:
"Our vision for Scotland is for a healthy, sustainable natural environment that supports our communities and helps us address the challenge of climate change. We can only do this if we act together to help protect the biodiversity that benefits society in so many ways. The community funding is an exciting development that will allow local people to make a real difference in their areas.
"We are also thinking of the bigger picture as our natural environment has a key role to play in achieving sustainable economic growth in Scotland.
"Our natural landscape and iconic species are closely-tied to our national identity and help attract tourists from across the world. A recent study of wildlife tourism showed more than a million trips are made and over £276 million is spent by people attracted by wildlife.
"Biodiversity also plays a massive part in supporting our industries. Our farmers and fishermen depend on the resources they harvest and need healthy ecosystems to ensure this continues.
"There is no single message that will promote the conservation of biodiversity but I hope we will reach some useful conclusions by thinking about what biodiversity does for us and how it can contribute to a sustainable, economic future."
Susan Davies, SNH Director of Policy and Advice, said:
"As healthy ecosystems are so important for Scotland's future prosperity, we have made funding available for biodiversity projects through efficiency savings and a re-targeting of priorities at SNH. Communities across Scotland will be able to take on-the-ground action to help local wildlife and biodiversity with this important fund."
The conference, Bringing People and Biodiversity Together, is being held at the University of Strathclyde on the August 24 and 25. It has been organised by Scottish Natural Heritage on behalf of the Scottish Biodiversity Forum, a collection of bodies with an interest and involvement in delivering biodiversity conservation. The conference will showcase a mixture of cutting-edge research, programmes and activities. It is aimed at those working to improve biodiversity, researchers and anyone with an interest in the environment, health and education.