Initiatives to improve biodiversity in Scotland

The value of sustained biodiversity for the future of both natural and managed habitats and for human wellbeing is increasingly coming into sharper focus as existing and potential threats are recognised. Against a background of a progressive shift of emphasis in farming during the second half of the 20(th) century from all-out production to increased consideration for the environment, a sequence of initiatives has been developed so that farmers can maintain or enhance the biodiversity of plant and animal species. Global agreements have placed more or less urgent obligations on national governments, which have implemented statutory measures and commissioned local government action plans for specific habitats or species. A range of support schemes is available in Scotland, broadly grouped into: official agri-environmental and national schemes, local Action Plans and non-government initiatives. For the successful implementation of all of these, good cooperation between conservationists and land managers is essential and any support needs to be accompanied by viable commercial farming. Monitoring procedures are desirable to evaluate impacts on species biodiversity and, if necessary, to point to required management changes.