The Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT), the largest organisation dedicated to protecting all Scottish wildlife, is speaking out today (16 March) in support of new targets to halt the loss of biodiversity and the degradation of ecosystems across Europe by 2020, which have now been agreed by the EU Environment Council. 

 

Jonny Hughes, SWT’s Director of Conservation, said:  “In the midst of the climate crisis we sometimes forget that the continuing loss of biodiversity and degradation of global ecosystems are equally critical issues. In one of its most important meetings for years, the EU Environment Council has admitted to being “seriously concerned” about the failure of Europe to achieve its stated target to halt the loss of biodiversity by 2010. It was really heartening to see Roseanna Cunningham, the Scottish Environment Minister present at this landmark meeting of the EU Council.

 

“SWT believes the Council's recommendations for how we tackle the biodiversity crisis in the next decade are truly progressive, and could herald a new era of ecological responsibility. This era will only happen if Governments, businesses and civil society across the EU get serious about delivering real change in the stewardship of our land and the design of our towns and cities.

 

“The Scottish Government is well placed to lead the change by, for example, ensuring public subsidies are spent in a way which improves rather than erodes 'ecosystem health'. Simply put this means spending public money wisely on enhancing the water, soil and nature of Scotland, not just because it makes sound economic sense to do so, but as the EU Council says, we should also recognise the “intrinsic value of biodiversity”.

***ENDS***

NOTES TO EDITORS:
1. SWT is the largest voluntary body working for all the wildlife of Scotland, representing more than 35,000 members who care for wildlife and the environment. SWT seeks to raise public awareness of threatened habitats and species and manages over 120 reserves Scotland-wide.

2. The People’s Postcode Lottery is the lottery for charities in Scotland.  Launched in November 2007, PPL represents a unique fundraising concept where players play with their postcode to win cash prizes whilst supporting local charities in Scotland. 40p from each ticket sold goes direct to charities in Scotland. To date SWT have received over £772,023 from PPL which helps maintain the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s network of over 120 reserves across Scotland.

3. SWT receives financial assistance and support from Scottish Natural Heritage and the People’s Postcode Lottery.