Responding to the publication of the UK National Ecosystem Assessment and DEFRA’s Natural Environment White Paper Simon Milne MBE, Chief Executive of the Scottish Wildlife Trust, said:

“A week which has seen the publication of both the UK National Ecosystem Assessment – to which the Scottish Wildlife Trust contributed – and a rare White Paper on the natural environment from DEFRA south of the border highlights the need for a clear vision and clear actions to protect wildlife. 

“The message coming loud and clear from the National Ecosystem Assessment is that people depend on wildlife.  We need strong leadership to ensure that the iconic wildlife and natural environment which define Scotland continue to support the economy, and this can only happen when governments put the recovery and restoration of wildlife at the heart of policy and action. 

“The Scottish Wildlife Trust has a 25-year vision for the recovery and restoration of large areas of our land, sea and freshwaters.  The Scottish Government should now take up the challenge and lead the UK and Europe in delivering natural recovery.”

***ENDS***

 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Tony King, Head of Policy, Scottish Wildlife Trust, tking@swt.org.uk