New plan to declare a national nature emergency is backed by thousands
THOUSANDS have backed calls to declare a “national nature emergency” to prevent the extinction of several native species.
Nearly 7,000 people have signed a petition backing the move in just two days.
And MSPS will be challenged to back the declaration in a vote in the Scottish Parliament tonight.
A motion is being brought to parliament following multiple warnings about the rapid loss of species abundance and distribution, and habitat loss and ecosystems in decline, with one in nine species facing extinction in Scotland.
Calls for legislation to allow for a “full nature recovery by 2045” will be debated at Holyrood.
Environmental and wildlife protection groups WWF Scotland, RSPB Scotland and Scottish Environment LINK have also urged MSPS to back it.
The Herald revealed in November, 2018 that at-risk animal species such as the red squirrel, some birds of prey and
sea mammals are in jeopardy because of lack of action in ensuring vital environmental protections are provide in Scotland after the UK quits Europe.
Among the concerns of the Scottish Environment LINK (SEL) union of conservation groups was that there was no mechanism to replace the European Commission’s LIFENature Fund which has given £25 million over 25 years to Scotland to help with more than 25 vital conservation projects protecting the country’s at-risk wildlife and landscape.
They said all were are at risk if no alternative funding is found through matching contributions from government or elsewhere if there is no way of continuing access to the fund through the Brexit negotiations.
Broadcaster and campaigner Chris Packham has also voiced his support, saying: “There is no doubt that we have precipitated a nature emergency so admitting as much would be a bold first step.”
If passed, Scotland will become the first country to formally recognise the decline in species and that urgent action is needed to address it.
Scottish Greens environment spokesman Mark Ruskell said: “Parliament must declare a nature emergency tonight, as just the first step in reversing the alarming decline in Scotland’s nature.
“Scotland has a golden opportunity to take a leading role in halting biodiversity loss, but taking action can also stimulate a green economic recovery.”