Ecology Strategy And Action Plan Consultation Now Open
8th July 2024
Highland Council today (8 July 2024) launched a 12-week public consultation on its draft Ecology Strategy and Action Plan.
The draft Ecology Strategy and Action Plan was approved at May's meeting of Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee and sets out an ambitious set of actions to tackle biodiversity loss and address the ecological emergency.
Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Cllr Ken Gowans, said: "The climate and ecological emergencies are interconnected, and biodiversity loss threatens our well-being and survival.
"The Highland Council, in collaboration with communities, partners, and stakeholders, must urgently address this crisis and reverse biodiversity loss."
He added: "Our new strategy outlines the Council's approach to tackling the ecological emergency, supporting Scotland’s goal to be nature-positive by 2030 and restore biodiversity by 2045.
“While we have begun improving biodiversity outcomes, intensifying our efforts is essential; a ‘Business as Usual’ approach will not suffice. Significant changes are necessary across the Council to integrate biodiversity measures into all operations and services."
As stated in the Council Programme 2022-2027, Highland Council is committed to accelerating its response to the climate and ecological emergencies.
Positive action can deliver economic, environmental, social, and health benefits, particularly in the region’s rural communities.
Biodiversity is one of Highland’s greatest economic assets, contributing over £17 billion annually to Scotland’s economy.
Cllr Gowans added: “Embracing the ‘green economy’ and fostering new green industries is essential. The scale of the ecological emergency is significant, requiring long-term vision and overcoming many challenges.
“Through leadership and exemplary action, we can drive transformative efforts to address biodiversity loss in Highland."
Highland Council is now inviting public feedback on this strategy to ensure it meets the needs and expectations of all stakeholders.
Please share your thoughts and suggestions to help the Council refine and improve its approach.
Visit the link below to view the draft Ecological Strategy and Action Plan and take part in the consultation. Closing date 30 September 2024.
https://bit.ly/3LgI6WK
Related Businesses
Related Articles
Aarons of Wick Ltd informed The Highland Council at lunchtime on Friday 4 October that with immediate effect they were unable to continue to operate any school or public service journeys which require a full-size bus. The Council has sourced replacement services from Dunnetts Transport for the Reay - Thurso and Bower – Castletown – Thurso services.
New funding for critical infrastructure projects that will help boost employment, empower communities and ensure a sustainable future for Scotland's island communities has been announced by First Minister John Swinney. Ten projects have been awarded a share of the Scottish Government's £3 million 2024/25 Islands Programme Fund.
Council Leaders have (27th September 2024) withdrawn support for the Scottish Government's revised National Care Service Bill. The Bill is currently being considered by the Scottish Parliament.
A new contract has been awarded to Perthshire's Wyllie Recycling Ltd for the provision of mixed plastic and metal container recycling services and haulage in Highland. This includes plastic bottles, pots, tubs, trays, metals tins, drink cans, aerosols and food and drink cartons which are collected in the new green recycling bins.
The Highland Council is asking any businesses, companies or organisations who are planning to hold any type of market, including Christmas or festive type markets, to contact the Licensing Service to check if they require a market operator's licence. If a licence is required, organisers will have to have applied for, and had this granted, prior to the market taking place.
The Highland Council Trading Standards service is urging motorists to be aware of a recent trend in scam texts aimed at tricking people into thinking they have to act quickly to pay a parking penalty charge notice (PCN). The text asks you to pay the PCN which has been issued by "a local Council".
Members at meeting of The Highland Council 919 Septmber2024) agreed a refined strategy and action plan for the Council's approach to Community Wealth Building. The Community Wealth Building Strategy 2024 - 2027 provides an alternative approach to economic development and a practical response that aims to keep wealth within a local area.
Following a process of review, including extensive stakeholder engagement, The Highland Council has completed an options appraisal on the future of Thor House in Thurso. The Council can now confirm that it intends to reinstate the property as a short break house for children with disability.
At the Education Committee today (Thursday 12 September 2024) Members agreed to the recommendation to transfer Youth Work and Adult Learning to the Council from High Life Highland. The final contract review report will come to the Committee in November 2024 for consideration.
The Education Committee met today (Thursday 12 September 2024) and agreed the Community Learning and Development Plan 2024-2027. Community Learning and Development (CLD) plays an important role in ensuring individuals, families and communities reach their potential, through lifelong learning, mutual self-help and community organisation, ensuring support and opportunities are community-led and built around people's individual and collective aspirations.
