Green Welcome for 'Wild Scotland' - but Government and Mod Biggest 'Rogue Operators'
Mon., August 16, 2004. 00:00.
Green MSPs today welcomed the launch of a new 'Wild Scotland' initiative announced by Tourism Minister Frank McAveety(1), but said that two of the biggest 'rogue operators' affecting Scotland's environment were the Scottish Executive itself and the Ministry of Defence. Greens say that the Scottish Executive's poor record on tackling the threat of climate change was one of the biggest threats to wildlife and the countryside, and that the Ministry of Defence was an 'environmental vandal' on a variety of fronts. Mark Ruskell MSP, Green Speaker on the Environment, welcomed the new initiative that will see wildlife tourism operators adhering to a new code of conduct - but called on government to raise its own game.
Green MSPs today welcomed the launch of a new 'Wild Scotland' initiative announced by Tourism Minister Frank McAveety(1), but said that two of the biggest 'rogue operators' affecting Scotland's environment were the Scottish Executive itself and the Ministry of Defence. Greens say that the Scottish Executive's poor record on tackling the threat of climate change was one of the biggest threats to wildlife and the countryside, and that the Ministry of Defence was an 'environmental vandal' on a variety of fronts. Mark Ruskell MSP, Green Speaker on the Environment, welcomed the new initiative that will see wildlife tourism operators adhering to a new code of conduct - but called on government to raise its own game.
The Scottish Executive is accused of falling short on tackling climate change despite recent efforts on renewable energy, by continuing to promote traffic growth and prioritising a billion pound road building plan over public transport.
Ruskell said: 'The launch of this initiative cannot mask the real danger posed to Scotland's environment by government inaction. The biggest threat to wild Scotland is climate change, fragile environments we cherish such as the Cairngorms are directly threatened. The Executive needs to move two steps forward in tackling climate change without taking three steps back. Failures to tackle traffic growth are increasing Scotland's climate change causing pollution and cancelling out reductions that will be made through the switch to renewable energy. This Executive has no target to reduce climate pollution - indeed we are already lagging behind the rest of the UK. Scotland is Britain's biggest climate culprit.'
Robin Harper MSP has called on the Scottish Parliament to challenge the MoD's apparent disregard for the environment and uncaring attitude to the future of threatened species and is also calling on the Scottish Executive to investigate legal action against the UK Ministry. Harper lists a litany of offences which the MSP says gives the impression of an organisation that is unaccountable and 'out of control'.
Robin Harper MSP, Green Parliamentary Leader and Speaker on Marine Affairs, said:
'The MoD should be utterly condemned for permitting the continued use of low frequency sonar, particularly in close proximity to whales and dolphins. It is beyond doubt that whales are severely affected by the low frequency noise, and it is almost certainly contributing to the deaths of already severely affected species at risk of extinction. Even the US Navy is forbidden to use this technology where it could affect whales.
"With its objections to wind farm developments, the bombardments of the North West Sutherland coast, the use of depleted uranium shells on the coastal testing grounds of Dumfries and Galloway, and noise pollution from low flying in rural areas of Scotland and Wales in particular, the MOD as an organisation presents one of the major environmental threats around the UK. It is time for the Government to bring the MoD under control, put it on a leash, and prevent further damage to our environment.'
Notes to editors
'Wild Scotland' is officially launched by Tourism Minister Frank McAveety at the Scottish Seabird Centre in North Berwick today, Monday 16th August.
Wildlife operators from across Scotland have joined forces for the first time to promote Scotland as Europe's number one wildlife destination, through responsible and quality-led wildlife experiences.
All members of Wild Scotland must sign up to a Charter and Code of Conduct. The association believes that this will not only strengthen Scotland's reputation as a premier wildlife destination but will also help safeguard against potential 'rogue' operators whose irresponsible activities may distress wildlife, damage the environment or give visitors an overall substandard experience.
Contact the Scottish Greens' press team on 07909 933 074.