Habitat and biodiversity efforts ‘very positive and encouraging’, says senior Highland councillor Ken Gowans
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Habitat restoration efforts and work to boost biodiversity in the Highlands are “very positive and encouraging”, a senor councillor believes.
Ken Gowans, the chairman of the economy and infrastructure committee, was speaking after the committee formally approved the local authority’s “Biodiversity Duty Report” (BDR) last week.
The report, which covered the period between 2021 and 2023, revealed the various steps the council has taken to improve the natural environment.
Councillors also noted the “breadth of work undertaken across Highland” to further the conservation of biodiversity.
The report highlighted several “significant highlights”, including the ongoing bid to secure World Heritage Status for the Flow Country and its globally important ecology, and work through the Nature Restoration Fund to provide grants totalling more than £550,000 towards biodiversity improvements in local communities.
Cllr Gowans described it as “a very positive and encouraging report.”
He further stated: “Although the BDR 2021-23 demonstrates we are making positive progress across many areas; however, we cannot be complacent as there is still much work to be done.
“We will need to continue to integrate and implement new biodiversity planning policies and be agile enough to adapt to future challenges and opportunities as they arise, including new targets and requirements likely to be included in the forthcoming Scottish Biodiversity Strategy and Delivery Plan and the Natural Environment Bill.”
The BDR was split into sections covering actions to protect biodiversity, mainstream biodiversity, nature-based solutions, climate change and biodiversity, public engagement and workforce development, and research and monitoring.
READ MORE: £186,000 worth of Nature Restoration Fund cash awarded to Highland community groups and causes
