JOIN THE FIGHT FOR SCOTLAND'S NATURE

North East Mountain Trust is one of 35 charities calling for a Scottish Environment Act.

Scotland may be small, but its natural environment is amazing. It has a staggering 10 per cent of Europe's coastline, one third of all of Europe's breeding seabirds and 29 per cent of its seals. Five per cent of the world’s peatlands are in Scotland, and these store 25 times more carbon than all of the UK’s vegetation.

From dolphins, whales and sharks to rare species such as the capercaillie and the pine marten, Scotland is home to a diverse array of wildlife as well as stunning mountain landscapes.

But as is the case elsewhere, Scotland's nature is in trouble. Climate change, pollution and habitat destruction are making themselves felt, reducing the resilience of the natural environment. One in 11 of the country's species is at risk of extinction.

And now, the prospect of Brexit threatens to unravel the legal protections that help Scotland care for its nature and hold back further decline in biodiversity. A huge 80 per cent of environmental protections come from EU membership, and these have played an extremely positive role, through strong legislation, funding, and support for effective implementation.

North East Mountain Trust is one of 35 charities calling for a Scottish Environment Act to protect and enhance Scotland's nature, now and in the future. In February, the Scottish Government launched a consultation on the future of environmental principles and governance.

The coalition of charities has set up an online petition to enable as many people as possible to respond to the consultation, which closed on 11th May.

With Brexit looming, one of the key aims of the campaign is to see the EU's internationally recognised environmental principles embedded in Scots law. The charities also want an independent watchdog to make sure environmental protections are actually enforced, and clear targets for environmental protection alongside adequate financial resources.

Only with a strong Environment Act will Scotland be able to act to mitigate climate change, safeguard its ecosystems and push for sustainable use of its natural resources that's good for people, land, seas and wildlife.

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