November 6th, 2017 by ie-admin
6 November 2017 – Speaking to over 200 delegates attending the European Environmental Bureau’s annual conference, co-organised with Scottish Environment LINK, Cabinet Secretary for the Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Roseanna Cunningham said that:
“The creation of a European Union has been about recognising shared values that bring us together across national boundaries. A robust and effective approach to protecting our environment has proved, for many of us, to be one of those key shared values. So, my ambition is to carry through not just the letter of EU environmental law but also the underlying principles of precaution, prevention and rectifying pollution at source, as well as the ‘polluter pays’ principle. Not doing so means we risk lagging behind and diverging from the ambitions of our European allies as well as missing key tools that can help us to meet international ambitions such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals”.
Later today, at a meeting between the UK Government and devolved administrations, Mrs Cunningham will urge UK Ministers to support those principles and seek to clarify their approach to preserving them.
Mrs Cunningham’s commitment was warmly welcomed by the environmental community in both Scotland and across Europe who expressed support for the Scottish Government position.
Jeremy Wates, Secretary General of European Environmental Bureau said:
“We strongly welcome the commitment of the Cabinet Secretary today to preserving not only EU environmental law but also the principles which underpin them. Our commitment has always been to securing the highest standards of environmental protection in Scotland and across Europe. We know that Brexit challenges this and we are heartened that leaders in Scotland are working to preserve these hard-fought protections and stop a race to the bottom”.
Helen Todd, Chair of Scottish Environment LINK said:
“Today’s statement by the Cabinet Secretary is warmly welcomed by Scottish Environment LINK members. It is testament to the Scottish Government’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and helps address one of the risks of Brexit – namely, that internationally recognised principles of environmental law enshrined in EU treaties will no longer apply once the UK exits the EU. Of course, actions speak louder than words and so we look forward to the Scottish Government providing further certainty regarding the future of these important international principles in Scotland. Our members stand ready to support the Scottish Government in securing the future of our environment and with it that of Scotland as a whole.”
For more information please contact:
Daphne Vlastari
LINK Advocacy Manager
daphne@scotlink.org
0757 211 33 79
Editors’ Notes
(1) Scottish Environment LINK is the forum for Scotland’s voluntary environment community, with over 35 member bodies representing a broad spectrum of environmental interests with the common goal of contributing to a more environmentally sustainable society.
LINK is a Scottish Charity (SC000296) and a Scottish Company Limited by guarantee (SC250899). LINK is core funded by Membership Subscriptions and by grants from Scottish Natural Heritage, Scottish Government and Charitable Trusts.
ukvps3.ie-dev.co.uk/scotlink-wordpress/
www.savescottishseas.org
(2) For more information about the European Environmental Bureau’s annual conference, please visit: www.eebconference.eu
(3) Environmental NGOs across the UK have been calling on the UK government to convert EU environmental law principles into domestic law. This view is captured in the Greener UK briefing here and in Scottish Environment LINK member contributions here.
(4) Download the press release here.
September 27th, 2017 by ie-admin
On Friday 1st September, members of the Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee set sail from the Isle of Mull to experience Scotland’s Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Departing from Tobermory, the Committee members visited part of the Loch Sunart to Sound of Jura Marine Protected Area on the West Coast of Scotland.
The trip was organised by members of Scottish Environment LINK’s Marine Group and hosted by the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT) a marine conservation charity and LINK member based on the Isle of Mull. Members were joined by representatives from the Community Association of Lochs and Sounds (CAOLAS), and were lucky enough to see a young minke whale feeding near the boundary line of the proposed Sea of Hebrides MPA, and several harbour porpoises in the Sound of Mull aboard the Staffa tours boat. The excursion recognised the progress that has been made in developing Scotland’s MPA network, but underlined the work still to be done.
Plans to develop a network of MPAs in Scotland are well under way. The Sound of Jura to Loch Sunart MPA is just one of 30 MPAs designated in 2014, as part of a strategic jigsaw of protected areas in both inshore and offshore waters designed to give sealife – such as corals, seabirds and fish – a chance to return to better health.
Recent additions to the MPA network include a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) in the Inner Hebrides and Minches for Harbour Porpoise announced last September, and the Loch Carron emergency MPA for the recovery of flame shell beds.
Yet, there is still more to be done, say environmental groups, who underlined the importance of there being sufficient resources to get the job done. Among the measures outstanding are management measures for remaining inshore sites including seven MPAs and 14 Special Areas of Conservation (SACs). Additionally, the LINK Marine Group urged the timely designation of 15 Special Protection Areas for marine birds, and a further four nature conservation MPAs first proposed in 2014, to provide much needed protection for mobile species including minke whale and basking shark.
Calum Duncan, Convenor of Scottish Environment LINK’s marine group and Marine Conservation Society, Head of Conservation Scotland said: “We are delighted that members of the ECCLR Committee and local groups were able to join us to celebrate Scotland’s marine life and recognise progress towards developing Scotland’s MPA network. We are at a critical point on this journey and more still needs to be done. If the MPA network sufficiently represents all of Scotland’s marine life, is reliably resourced and well-managed, alongside effective marine planning and modernised fisheries management, it will help reverse decades of environmental decline and boost the many benefits our seas provide for current and future generations”.
Alison Lomax, Director at Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust added: “The waters of west Scotland are an important feeding hotspot for minke whales in the summer months. Thousands of visitors come to see these animals each year in our waters. It was fantastic that members of the ECCLR Committee got to experience some of Mull’s amazing marine wildlife during the visit.”
Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee Convener, Graeme Dey MSP, said: “The conservation of Scotland’s seas is hugely important for the protection of marine life as well as our coastal communities and marine industries.
“Our Committee will examine Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) across Scotland in the future, and that’s why our visit to Scottish Environment LINK to find out more about the operation of Loch Sunart and Loch Sunart to the Sound of Jura MPAs was incredibly valuable.”
ENDS
Notes/links for editors:
Scottish Environment LINK’s marine group – a coalition of environmental charities campaign to protect and recover Scotland’s seas – and comprises the following nine organisations: Hebridean Whale & Dolphin Trust, Marine Conservation Society, National Trust for Scotland, RSPB Scotland, RZSS, Salmon and Trout Conservation Scotland, Scottish Wildlife Trust, WWF Scotland, Whale& Dolphin Conservation. (http://www.scotlink.org/workareas/marine/) The members campaign for Marine Protected Areas via www.savescottishseas.org
Find out more about the work of the Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee.
- Scotland’s MPA network can be seen here:
http://www.gov.scot/Topics/marine/marine-environment/mpanetwork http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/marine/marine-consultation/
http://www.savescottishseas.org/news/whales-dolphins-and-basking-sharks-need-mpas-now/
Ø Related information on MPAs can be found at www.savescottishseas.org/why-we-need-mpas
September 6th, 2017 by ie-admin
5 September 2017 – Scottish Environment LINK members warmly welcome measures to safeguard Scotland’s environment outlined in the Scottish Government’s programme for government. Clean air and transport, tackling climate change and reducing waste as well as promoting eco-innovation are key areas of action that can deliver benefits for everyone in Scotland.
“Scotland’s pledge to support the UN Sustainable Development Goals needs to be backed up with real actions and the programme for government announced today is a very important first step towards putting in place much needed reforms”, said Helen Todd, Chair of Scottish Environment LINK.
“We hope that this programme for government will mark the beginning of even further bold action to make our vision for a sustainable and low carbon Scotland a reality. The environment cannot be seen in isolation or as separate to policies for the economy, agriculture, fisheries, transport, innovation or planning. Our environment is – quite literally- the air we breathe, the food we grow and eat, the water we drink and the land we live in and enjoy”, added Helen.
Today’s environmental challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss and resource scarcity illustrate all too clearly that we can no longer afford to legislate in silos. This is why LINK members have been calling for the strengthening of the National Performance Framework as a tool for ensuring that policies are fit for purpose. We hope that the upcoming review of the Framework will not only align it with the UN Sustainable Development Goals but that it will also launch a debate about how it can be used as a useful metric for how our policies match up against our vision for Scotland.
As the First Minister stated, to protect human rights, we need to safeguard environmental rights. Legislation that takes into account the environment and environmental limits is essential for our future prosperity. LINK members will continue working with government and elected officials towards this end.
Contact details
Daphne Vlastari, LINK Advocacy officer
0131 225 4345/0757 211 22 79 or daphne@scotlink.org
Scottish Environment LINK is the forum for Scotland’s voluntary environment community, with over 35 member bodies representing a broad spectrum of environmental interests with the common goal of contributing to a more environmentally sustainable society.
LINK is a Scottish Charity (SC000296) and a Scottish Company Limited by guarantee (SC250899). LINK is core funded by Membership Subscriptions and by grants from Scottish Natural Heritage, Scottish Government and Charitable Trusts.
Visit us at ukvps3.ie-dev.co.uk/scotlink-wordpress/ or follow us on @ScotLINK
August 3rd, 2017 by ie-admin
As part of a joint marine campaign, Scotland’s leading marine environment groups are calling on close collaboration between all UK administrations to ensure the UK Marine Bill makes it into the November Queen’s speech, so that Scottish and UK Marine Bills can be taken forward in tandem.
June 22nd, 2017 by ie-admin
Hilltracks press release June 2017
Read the press release issued 21/6/17 by LINK Hilltracks subgroup, calling on outdoor enthusiasts to help them assess the damage caused to Scotland’s iconic mountains by controversial vehicle tracks.
May 31st, 2017 by ie-admin
And see our full consultation response here
April 4th, 2017 by ie-admin
March 30th, 2017 by ie-admin
A new report from Scottish civil society organisations, including Scottish Environment LINK, highlights that individuals’ rights must be safeguarded as the UK prepares to leave the European Union (EU).
Brought together by the Human Rights Consortium Scotland, experts from 12 different civil society organisations have outlined the potential impacts on rights in Scotland of the United Kingdom leaving the European Union.
Published on 27 March, the report argues how the EU has been the main driver of many individual rights for children, women, disabled people, and workers, as well as rights that are enjoyed by everyone such as a clean environment.
Without the EU pushing rights forward, these organisations are concerned that legal rights may be reduced, and that progress on achieving greater rights for disadvantaged people will stall. They are calling for greater participation in decision-making around negotiations for the UK leaving the EU.
Civil society works with, and represents many excluded or rarely listened to people in Scotland. Policy makers must listen to these people, and civil society can help them to do so.
Further reading:
March 27th, 2017 by ie-admin
Environmental groups have expressed reservations about today’s publication of Scotland’s first National Marine Plan. Following several years of consultation and Parliamentary scrutiny, the Plan paves the way for a more coordinated approach to developments at sea. A coalition of environmental groups have welcomed the general principles underpinning the Plan, but remain concerned that it supports growth for some sectors which could risk environmental health of the seas.
December 7th, 2016 by ie-admin
Today European Commissioners took the historic decision to retain the EU’s flagship environment legislation: the Birds and Habitats Directives (the ‘Nature Directives’). Pressure to revise these laws, as their fitness was under review, was met by an 18 month Defend Nature campaign run by environmental NGOs across Europe. Public response was unprecedented, with a record 550,000 people engaging with the European Commission’s consultation on the future of the legislation.
Revered worldwide and perceived as the foundation of nature conservation across Europe, the Nature Directives protect species and create the critical network of European protected wildlife sites – the Natura Network. Where properly implemented these laws are scientifically proven to be effective, delivering demonstrable positive outcomes for nature, as well as significant social and economic benefits.
Paul Walton, of Scottish Environment LINK’s Wildlife Subroup said:
“Wildlife does not recognise borders, and today’s news is of huge significance for species and habitats right across the continent. We welcome the Scottish Government’s commitment to maintain European standards of environmental protection in Scotland, whatever outcomes emerge following the EU Referendum results. A key test will be maintaining the integrity and international significance of Scotland’s Natura network sites, and delivering favourable conservation status for our threatened species. It is increasingly clear that the natural environment is a key factor in the health and wellbeing of the people”.
The European Commission said that the ‘fitness check’ has recognised that the Nature Directives remain relevant and fit for purpose, but their implementation needs to be improved. To this end, the Commission will develop an Action Plan with local authorities to assess implementation challenges and help Member States take the necessary corrective action
End
Contact details:
Dr Paul Walton of the LINK Wildlife Group
Email: paul.walton@rspb.org.uk
Phone: 07979 240 857
Daphne Vlastari, LINK Advocacy Officer
Email: daphne@scotlink.org
Phone: 0757 211 33 79
Editors’ Notes
(1) Record-breaking campaign to save the nature laws
• The European Commission’s review of the Directives arose from President Jean-Claude Juncker’s instruction in 2014 to “carry out an in-depth evaluation of the Birds and Habitats Directives and assess the potential for merging them into a more modern piece of legislation”, as part of the ‘better regulation’ initiative.
• Over 100 NGOs from across the UK countries came together in response, calling for the Directives to be saved and better implemented – not ‘modernised’ http://bit.ly/2haaBcL.
• More than 550,000 citizens took part in the European Commission’s consultation on the Directives in 2015 – the largest response to any Commission consultation to date http://bit.ly/1i4b6Bo.
• In December 2015, the Environment Council recognised the importance of full implementation of these “essential” laws to “maintain legal certainty for all stakeholders”. http://bit.ly/2g2pFnH.
• In February 2016, the European Parliament voted overwhelmingly to oppose “a possible revision of the Nature Directives” http://bit.ly/1Sq0gFO.
• In March 2016, a Commission external evaluation concluded that the Directives are ‘fit for purpose’ (released through an access to documents request) http://bit.ly/2gClHGG.
(2) Scottish Environment LINK is the forum for Scotland’s voluntary environment community, with over 35 member bodies representing a broad spectrum of environmental interests with the common goal of contributing to a more environmentally sustainable society.
(3) Statement of Environment Commissioner Karmenu Vella on outcome of Fitness Check: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/2014-2019/vella/announcements/my-statement-orientation-debate-next-steps-fitness-check-birds-and-habitats-directives_en
LINK is a Scottish Charity (SC000296) and a Scottish Company Limited by guarantee (SC250899). LINK is core funded by Membership Subscriptions and by grants from Scottish Natural Heritage, Scottish Government and Charitable Trusts.
Have you heard about LINK Local ? LINK’s one-year trial of a matchmaking service for local groups working on environmental issues across Scotland. Why not find our more at LINKLocal or follow us on facebook
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