Highland Council launches consultation on ecology strategy and action plan
Highland Council has launched a 12-week public consultation on its draft Ecology Strategy and Action Plan.
The draft strategy and plan were approved at May’s meeting of Highland Council’s economy and infrastructure committee, setting out a set of actions to tackle biodiversity loss and address the ecological emergency.
Committee chairman, Councillor Ken Gowans, said: “The climate and ecological emergencies are interconnected, and biodiversity loss threatens our well-being and survival.
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“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.
Biodiversity contributes more than £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 its 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.
The draft strategy and action plan can be viewed - and responses made - here
