Delight as government support Flow Country in bid for World Heritage Site status
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The Peatlands Partnership has been given the green light by the UK government to go ahead with developing the nomination of The Flow Country to UNESCO as a World Heritage Site (WHS).
The Flow Country in Caithness and Sutherland is regarded by many as being the best blanket bog of its type in the world. The precious peatland habitats of The Flow Country are not only important for nature and wildlife, they also provide vital services for people and are one of our richest carbon stores, making them a vital defence against the effects of climate change.
In December 2019, the partnership's working group submitted a technical evaluation of The Flow Country to the government and the Minister’s response has indicated the UK Government’s support for The Flow Country being the UK's candidate for World Heritage Site status to the UNESCO WHS in 2023. The partnership now has a clear timetable to prepare and submit a full nomination to UNESCO, who will then determine whether or not The Flow Country meets the criteria for World Heritage Site status.
Speaking on behalf of the Peatland Partnership’s Flow Country WHS working group, its independent chairman, Frances Gunn of Tongue said: “This is wonderful news for the north, especially at these difficult times when good news stories are few and far between. It’s all really exciting and has taken such a great effort from everyone to get through to this stage.
"Whilst there’s still a lot of work to do, I am sure that a World Heritage Site will bring many benefits and help boost our fragile economy once we’ve re-opened for business after the current pandemic.”
Working group colleague, Thomas MacDonell of Wildland Limited added: “We are delighted that we have successfully moved to the final submission stage, this potential accolade can only add value and a wider appreciation of our fantastic natural environment.”
Councillor Margaret Davidson, leader of Highland Council, one of the core partners taking the WHS proposals forward explained: “We are very proud of The Flow Country here in Highland and I am delighted that the DCMS has chosen this incredible landscape as the United Kingdom’s next World Heritage Site nominee.
"The council will work hard with our partners to ensure that The Flow Country successfully passes the final stage of the process.”
