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ARIANE BURGESS: Nature restoration is not separate from supporting Highland communities





Holyrood Notebook by Ariane Burgess

The Flow Country of Caithness and Sutherland is now a World Heritage Site.
The Flow Country of Caithness and Sutherland is now a World Heritage Site.

Unesco’s announcement making the Flow Country the 36th World Heritage Site in the UK has brought a wave of excitement and pride to Caithness and beyond.

This recognition is a testament to the unique and invaluable nature of our peatlands, which have now been granted the prestigious status.

Alongside the Jurassic Coast, it will be one of only five “wholly natural” Sites in our nation. This accolade highlights the global significance of our landscape and reinforces the importance of preserving and restoring our natural heritage.

But this celebratory mood is tempered by the Scottish ministers’ decision to redirect £5 million from the Nature Restoration Fund (NRF) to councils to meet public sector pay settlements. This decision is deeply concerning.

It's crucial to understand that public sector workers and environmental restoration should not be pitted against each other. Both are essential for the well-being of our communities and the regeneration and sustainability of our region.

The NRF has been a game-changer, benefiting both our natural environment and local communities. It has created jobs, supported biodiversity, and helped mitigate the effects of climate change.

Over the summer, I had the privilege of meeting numerous community organisations engaged in vital and urgent nature restoration projects, both on land and at sea. These initiatives, made possible by the NRF, are not only rejuvenating our depleted natural environment but also providing employment opportunities, especially for young people in rural and island communities.

Related articles:

Flow Country of Caithness and Sutherland joins Great Barrier Reef and Grand Canyon among Unesco World Heritage sites

‘A tremendous feeling’: We’ve now got a World Heritage Site on our doorstep

Holyrood to recognise Flow Country’s Unesco World Heritage Site status

In one community alone, I met 12 young people employed on projects funded by the NRF. This highlights the dual benefit of the fund: ecological restoration and rural regeneration. By creating meaningful employment opportunities, the NRF is helping to stem the tide of youth exodus from our rural areas, allowing young people to build their lives and careers in the communities they call home.

It's important to recognise that investing in nature restoration is not just an environmental luxury; it's an economic necessity. Take, for example, the investment in natural flood management. While it requires upfront funding, such initiatives save significant public money in the long run by reducing the impact and frequency of flooding events. This exemplifies how environmental spending can lead to substantial cost savings over time.

We are facing both a climate and nature emergency. These crises are inextricably linked, and restoring nature in our communities is key to addressing both. The Nature Restoration Fund has been instrumental in supporting projects that enhance biodiversity, sequester carbon, and build resilience against climate change impacts.

Investing in local services and our local environment should not be seen as competing priorities. Instead, they are complementary efforts that go hand in hand. As well as ensuring a future for our young people, a healthy environment supports public health, reduces the strain on local services, and contributes to the overall well-being of our communities.

As we celebrate the Unesco recognition of the Flow Country, let us also reaffirm our commitment to nature restoration and sustainable community regeneration.

The Scottish Government must reconsider this reallocation of funds and explore alternative ways to meet public sector pay demands without compromising our environmental obligations.

The Flow Country's new status as a World Heritage Site serves as a powerful reminder of the global importance of our natural landscapes. Let it also be a call to action, inspiring us to redouble our efforts in preserving and restoring our environment for future generations. By doing so, we not only protect our natural heritage but also secure a sustainable and prosperous future for our communities.

Ariane Burgess.
Ariane Burgess.

• Ariane Burgess is a Green MSP for the Highlands and Islands.


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