More than 100 conservation groups have come together to oppose changes to European laws
More than 100 conservation groups have come together to oppose changing European laws that protect Scottish wildlife.
Campaigners say the European Birds and Habitat's Directive, which is under European Commission (EC) review, should be left alone.
They claim it has protected some of Scotland’s best loved and most iconic landscapes, from the Flow Country peatlands to the Caledonian pine forests of the Cairngorms, for over 30 years.
The fear is that the review will lead to lower conservation standards in favour of easier conditions for business developments, which the green groups claim would endanger vulnerable Scottish wildlife such as the basking shark, the harbour porpoise, the capercaillie and the corncrake.
Not only should our amazing wildlife be protected for itself, but it is also hugely economically important
The Joint Links Group, representing 100 voluntary organisations across the UK, has published a position statement warning that the EC’s actions are the single biggest threat to UK and European nature and biodiversity in a generation.
Campaigners say the directives are under threat of being weakened by those who mistakenly regard them as a block on business and economic growth.
Any revision of the directives could leave the long-term future of Europe’s biodiversity vulnerable to short-term political priorities.
Convener of Scottish Environment Link’s Wildlife Forum Deborah Long said: “Scottish environmental NGOs are delighted to join with our colleagues from across the UK to sign this statement.
“Not only should our amazing wildlife be protected for itself, but it is also hugely economically important in attracting people to visit Scotland and in marketing Scottish produce. Those who see protecting nature as somehow getting in the way of business are often just wrong.”
The Joint Links group has created a response to the EC consultation, setting out a huge volume of evidence that demonstrates the effectiveness of the directives in protecting nature, providing huge benefits for people and providing a stable framework for responsible businesses.
Voluntary organisations have also today launched the Nature Alert electronic tool, enabling the public to have their say.
