18 January 2012, LINK Agriculture Taskforce

LINK Parliamentary Briefing for debate on CAP reform

CAP reform will to have a strong impact on how Scotland’s land is managed in the years to come. LINK continues to advocate that the allocation of public money should be based on the broadest range of public and environmental benefits. This is best achieved by approaching land management in an integrated, cross-boundary approach. Scottish Environment LINK, therefore, welcomes the Scottish Government’s commitment to ‘Getting the best from our land’ through using the Scottish Land Use Strategy. LINK believes that the resolution of land use conflicts can be helped by a Land Use Strategy that offers mechanisms and processes for dealing with land use conflicts.

23 November 2011, LINK Agriculture Taskforce

Parliamentary Briefing on the Reform of the Common Agricultural Policy

The forthcoming reform of the Common Agricultural Policy – and its subsequent implementation in Scotland - will have a significant impact on Scottish agriculture and the environment. LINK supports the need for CAP reform but considers the proposals published in October do not go far enough to ensure the provision of environmental goods and services that the market fails to deliver. This requires a substantive shift in funding from Pillar I to Pillar II. Regarding the current proposals, LINK wishes to see: a regional model of support for the Basic Payment Scheme which actively favours re-distribution (albeit progressively) towards the more economically disadvantaged but environmentally and culturally important farming and crofting systems in the north and west of Scotland; the introduction of meaningful ‘greening’ measures in Pillar I that will deliver environmental outcomes; and, increased funding for rural development in Scotland (through EU funding and voluntary modulation) and a future SRDP that delivers for the environment.

20 October 2011, LINK Marine Taskforce

Marine Protected Areas - an introduction (Filenote 1)

The first in a series of briefings from Scottish Environment LINK's Marine Taskforce, exploring the creation of Scotland's Marine Protected Area network.

14 September 2011, LINK

LINK Briefing for the Local Government and Regeneration Committee meeting of 14th September, 2011

LINK written evidence to the Local Government and Regeneration Committee covering planning; regeneration; local government, sustainability and Scotland's environment.

13 September 2011, LINK Local Governance Taskforce

Revising Scotland's National Performance Framework

This is a briefing prepared by Friends of the Earth Scotland, WWF and Oxfam Scotland support by LINK's Local Governance Task Force.

21 July 2011, LINK

Local Government, Sustainable Development and Scotland’s Environment

LINK offers support to Councils and Community Planning Partnerships through the on-going process of development of Single Outcome Agreements, particularly in relation to Scotland’s sustainable development commitments and its environment. LINK supports in principle a National Performance Framework with nationally agreed outcomes and indicators and scope for local prioritisation relevant to different Council areas, so long as this is appropriately underpinned with robust guidance, direction and support from national Government.

22 March 2011, LINK Marine Taskforce

Managing MPAs: Getting it right for Scotland

Scotland’s unique marine ecosystem can be given the chance to thrive with the aid of a well-managed network of Marine Protected Areas. Not only will this safeguard the goods and services we all rely on, but also make our seas more resistant to climate change and other human impacts. To achieve this, the right management measures must be put in place.

A variety of management measures will be needed. Here we highlight some of those recommended by the Scottish Association for Marine Science in its report: ‘Making the case for sound management of Marine Protected Areas’

See also: Making the case for sound management of Marine Protected Areas Full Report | Executive Summary

9 February 2011, LINK

Climate Change and the EU Briefing

We believe there are strong arguments that Scotland’s approach to emission reduction targets should be followed by the EU if we are to be serious in our approach to tackling Climate Change.

26 January 2011,

Oral Evidence on United Kingdom Energy Bill legislative consent memorandum

Elizabeth Leighton, senior policy officer with WWF Scotland, gave evidence on behalf of Scottish Environment LINK to the Scottish Parliament's Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee on the United Kingdom Energy Bill legislative consent memorandum.

5 November 2010, LINK Sustainable Land Use Taskforce

Initial Response to Draft Land Use Strategy

This briefing contains Scottish Environment LINK’s initial response to the Scottish Government’s draft Land Use Strategy consultation

The draft Land Use Strategy (LUS) is a ‘direction setter’ and aspirational document, not a strategy with clear goals and action. LINK welcomes many of the ideas and statements within the draft LUS but believes that it is weak in its vision, goals and action, and it lacks specific commitments. In its current form, it is unlikely to move Scotland towards more sustainable use of land resources and the optimal delivery of multiple benefits, such as GHG emission reduction, increased physical activity, resilient communities and diverse local economies...

5 October 2010, LINK Marine Taskforce

Session Four Manifesto Briefing

This paper suggests various measures, that will need to be undertaken during session four of the Scottish Parliament, to protect and enhance Scotland’s marine environment, which will also help deliver sustainable economic prosperity and social wellbeing now and for generations to come.

15 September 2010,

Oral Evidence, Stage 1 Wildlife and Natural Environment Bill

Members of the LINK Wildlife and Natural Environment taskforce give oral evidence to the Scottish Parliament's Rural Affairs and Environment Committee.

Discussions included: Single witness evidence, quarry species, overwintering geese, hares, snaring, issue of invasive non-native species, species licencing and more...

1 September 2010, LINK Wildlife Natural Environment

Wildlife and Natural Environment Bill - Stage 1 Evidence

LINK welcomes the opportunities to update the law on wildlife and the natural environment afforded by this bill.  We particularly welcome elements such as the provisions on non-native species and on arrangements for Sites of Special Scientific Interest and have some positive suggestions for improvement in these areas.  Whilst welcoming parts of the bill, we also have deep reservations about other aspects, especially the disappointing and unworkable proposals on deer management.

12 May 2010,

Oral Evidence on Scotland's Hills and Islands

Scottish Environment LINK give Evidence to the Scottish Parliament's Rural Affairs and Environment Committee as they look at the Royal Society of Edinburgh's 2008 report on Scotland's hills and islands. 

9 March 2010, LINK Marine Taskforce

Aquaculture Briefing

The LINK marine taskforce believes all aquaculture legislation should ensure development within the industry is founded on the five guiding principles of sustainable development (in line with the Scottish Government’s own Sustainable Development Strategy): living within environmental limits; ensuring a strong, healthy and just society; achieving a sustainable economy; promoting good governance; and using science responsibly.

A briefing prepared by the LINK Marine taskforce for the Scottish Parliament debate on Aquaculture on the 10 March 2010

4 February 2010, LINK Marine Taskforce

Marine Bill Stage 3 Amendments Briefing

A detailed briefing on Stage 3 amendments for the Marine (Scotland) Bill from Scottish Environment LINKs Marine taskforce.

See also our shorter general Stage 3 Briefing

2 February 2010, LINK Marine Taskforce

Marine Bill Stage 3 Briefing

Key amendments that would improve the Bill at stage 3 include i) introducing a general duty to consider the health of our seas as a primary objective in all our activity in the marine environment, ii) clearly linking marine management and marine protection provisions, by including Scottish Ministers’ policies for protection and enhancement of MPAs within the area of the plan, and iii) clarifying the content of marine plans, by ensuring that they contain a programme of objectives. This provides greater certainty for all stakeholders...

Breifing for Stage 3 of the Marine (Scotland) Bill from Scottish Environment LINKs Marine taskforce

2 December 2009, LINK Marine Taskforce

Marine Bill Stage 2, Amendments (3) Briefing

A detailed briefing on the 3rd Marshalled List of Amendments for Stage 2 of the Marine (Scotland) Bill from Scottish Environment LINKs Marine taskforce.

See also :our brief on 1st Marshalled List of Amendments and brief on 2nd Marshalled List of Amendments.

25 November 2009, LINK Marine Taskforce

Marine Bill Stage 2, Amendments (2) Briefing

A detailed briefing on the 2nd Marshalled List of Amendments for Stage 2 of the Marine (Scotland) Bill from Scottish Environment LINKs Marine taskforce.

See also :our brief on 1st Marshalled List of Amendments and brief on 3rd Marshalled List of Amendments

18 November 2009,

Marine Bill Stage 2, Amendments (1) Briefing

A detailed briefing on the 1st Marshalled List of Amendments for Stage 2 of the Marine (Scotland) Bill from Scottish Environment LINKs Marine taskforce.

See also: our brief on 2nd Marshalled List of Amendments and brief on 3rd Marshalled List of Amendments.

17 November 2009,

Oral Evidence on European Union Budget Review Inquiry

LINK gave oral evidence to the Scottish Parliament European and External Relations Committee for their inquiry into the European Union Budget Review.

See also our written evidence: Inquiry into the EU Budget Review and EU Budget Reform Inquiry, Additional Evidence

10 October 2009, LINK Marine Taskforce

Evidence on Common Fisheries Policy Reform

Written evidence presented to the Scottish Parliament's Rural Affairs and Environment Committee

Reform of the CFP is timely, not only because the 2002 reform has done little to alleviate overfishing and its wider ecological footprint, but also because of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), which sets a challenging new context for fisheries management. The Directive requires that Europe’s seas achieve Good Environmental Status (GES) by 2020 at the latest, and requires that reform of the CFP does not impede the delivery of GES, and therefore ‘must take account of the environmental impacts of fishing’...

4 September 2009, LINK

EU Budget Reform Inquiry, Additional Evidence

LINK believes that the EU budget must be adapted to tackle emerging policy challenges, many of which have arisen due a failure in applying the principles of sustainable development in a coherent and effective way. The major of impacts of the failure of the sustainability agenda are anthropogenic climate change, degradation of terrestrial and marine ecosystems and, linked to these, the continuing loss of biodiversity. These now seriously threaten not just our environment, but our economy and ultimately societal stability.

The future EU budget should therefore be targeted at policies which will move the EU and Scotland rapidly towards a sustainable economy; where environmental limits are not exceeded; where there are sustainable patterns of production and consumption; and where ecosystems are in a state of recovery rather than degradation.

See also our original evidence to the inquiry from December 2008

15 July 2009, LINK Marine Taskforce

Stage 1 Evidence - Marine Protected Areas

Letter to the Rural Affairs and Environment Committee regarding Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), Marine (Scotland) Bill, and the type and level of consultation we believe is appropriate for the two distinct stages of first selecting and then managing a MPA. The decision to designate a MPA must be made on scientific criteria alone. If an area meets these criteria, Scottish Ministers must proceed with the designation.

4 June 2009, LINK Marine Taskforce

Marine Bill Stage One Written Evidence

LINK Marine Taskforce Written Evidence to the Rural Affairs and Environment Committee on Stage 1 of the Marine (Scotland) Bill.

We are concerned, that the provisions in relation to environmental recovery are much weaker, with no provisions to improve or recover the ecological status of Scottish waters beyond the boundaries of marine protected areas. The requirement to promote recovery of the marine environment as a whole is enshrined in various international and national agreements, including the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Marine Strategy Framework Directive and the recently published UK High Level Marine Objectives. The key outcome of the Bill, the one by which its ultimate success is measured, must be a healthy, well functioning and biodiverse marine environment. In order for the Bill to contribute to this outcome we believe that objectives relating to the health of marine species, habitats and ecosystems (marine ecosystem objectives) must play a pivotal role. Such objectives must provide direction to, and underpin evaluation of, the effectiveness of the marine planning system. There must be a duty on public bodies to contribute to their achievement. We are concerned that the Bill allows for ecosystem objectives to be traded-off against short-term social and economic objectives, resulting in a continued deterioration of both the sea’s health and its productivity.

28 May 2009, LINK Marine Taskforce

Marine Bill Stage One

A Scottish Marine Bill has at last been introduced to Parliament. This historic opportunity must be seized to ensure the Bill protects and recovers our marine biodiversity, helps deliver healthy, well-managed and productive seas and provides a sustainable future for Scottish coastal communities and businesses. Environmental sustainability must have top priority because it is the basis for all social and economic benefits. Anything less will undermine any benefits the Bill could potentially provide for marine wildlife and people.

12 May 2009, LINK Freshwater Taskforce

Notes on the Marshalled List of Amendments for the Flooding Bill

LINK notes on the Marshalled List of Amemdments selected for stage three of the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Bill. This document offers a more detailed briefing on the amendments, as tabled.

11 May 2009, LINK Freshwater Taskforce

Briefing on Stage 3 of the Flooding Bill

The Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Bill already represents a significant improvement to flood management in Scotland. This LINK freshwater briefing looks at proposed amendments that would improve the Flood Risk Management Bill legislation still further at stage three.

The key amendments for stage 3 include strengthening provisions for the consideration of natural flood management, ensuring that Ministers provide adequate funds to responsible authorities and SEPA to implement the new Act, and addressing the issue of sustainability of the Water Industry Commission and Scottish Water.

26 February 2009, LINK Marine Taskforce

Marine Bill Consultation Debate

Breifing for the Scottish Government debate on the Marine Bill Consultation held on Thursday 26th Feb 2009

A successful Scottish Marine Bill must result in protection and recovery of our marine environment in order to achieve a healthy, functioning marine ecosystem. The marine ecosystem is the foundation which underpins most human uses of the sea, therefore ensuring that this is healthy and well-functioning is essential for a sustainable economy. The bill should be founded on the 5 principles of Sustainable Development: living within environmental limits; ensuring a strong, healthy and just society; achieving a sustainable economy; promoting good governance; and using science responsibly

20 February 2009, LINK Deer Taskforce

Proposed Deer Legislation

LINK's Deer taskforce has issued a breifing on proposals for updating deer legislation.  For LINK, the imperative is creating the circumstances in which sustainable deer management can take place.

20 February 2009, LINK Climate Change Taskforce

Muirburn

LINK provide evidence regarding muirburn to the Scottish Parliament's Rural Affairs and Environment committee, during their examination of the Climate Change Bill.

3 February 2009, LINK Woodlands Taskforce

Forestry Proposals in the Climate Change (Scotland) Bill

LINK has repeatedly expressed its view that the best way to respond to climate change is to first reduce green house gas emissions by moving away from carbon based energy production, reducing energy consumption and energy loss. We see carbon sequestration as one of the secondary responses that feature further down the list of the multiple benefits forestry provides.

The plans proposed in the recent consultation and the enabling powers in the Climate Change (Scotland) Bill are controversial and as yet, they have not been fully explained or costed. Our detailed concerns on these proposals are presented below...

22 January 2009, LINK Freshwater Taskforce

Briefing on Stage One of the Flooding Bill

LINK Freshwater Taskforce Briefing for Stage One of the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Bill. The new Bill must ensure a sustainable approach to flood management, incorporating sustainable principles in the general provisions and indeed throughout the Bill. The provisions for natural flood management should be strengthened and a new duty introduced to ensure the implementation of flood risk management plans. Amendments to the Bill on these issues will bolster the Bill’s purpose of securing flood management that is long-term, sustainable and fit to deal with climate change impacts.

15 December 2008, LINK

Inquiry into the EU Budget Review

Response to the Scottish Parlaiment's Europe and External Relations Committee inquiry into the EU Budget Review.

As a general principle, LINK believes the majority of the EU budget should be targeted at protecting and improving public goods. This will require investment in ‘environmental and social capital’ including initiatives which encourage a shift towards truly sustainable consumption and production. Substantial efforts are required to align the EU budget to better deliver public goods and to tackle the twin threats of climate change and biodiversity loss in Europe and Scotland. Climate change and biodiversity loss are key policy priorities for the EU yet spending in these crucial areas has not yet reflected the rhetoric.

11 November 2008, LINK Freshwater Taskforce

Written Evidence to Stage One of the Flooding Bill

Stage one written evidence on the general principles of the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Bill to the Scottish Parlaiment's Rural Affiars and Environment Committee

11 November 2008, LINK Freshwater Taskforce

Flooding Bill Financial Memorandum

Financial Memorandum. Written submission by the Freshwater Taskforce of Scottish Environment LINK on the financial implications and the costs and benefits of the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Bill.

26 June 2008, LINK Freshwater Taskforce

Flooding and Flood Management – the way forward for Scotland

A briefing by the Freshwater Taskforce of Scottish Environment LINK for the Rural Affairs and Environment debate on flooding and flood management

Scottish Environment LINK’s Freshwater Taskforce welcomes the recommendations of the Rural Affairs and Environment Committee’s Inquiry into Flooding and Flood Management. Flooding is a big issue and likely to get worse due to climate change. Scotland is set to get wetter and stormier, and some coastal areas are likely to experience sea level rise, increasing the risk of both the coastal and inland flooding. The traditional approach for managing flood risk is proving inadequate in the face of changing climate. The forthcoming flooding legislation is promising to modernise the way we deal flooding, and introduce an integrated, sustainable way of managing the risk. The new flooding policy should aim to:

• Introduce integrated, catchment based flood risk management
• Ensure that natural flood management is part of response to flood risk management
• Introduce a new way of funding flood measures that supports long-term management
• Ensure accountability and delivery of flood measures on the ground

28 May 2008, LINK Climate Change Taskforce

Climate Change Debate

Briefing paper from the Scottish Environment LINK Climate Task Force for the Scottish Government Debate on Climate Change, Wednesday 28th May 2008.

1 March 2008, LINK Freshwater Taskforce

Flooding and Flood Management Inquiry, further evidence

Further evidence to the Rural Affairs and Environment Committee for their Flooding and Flood Management Inquiry. Additional information with regards to natural flood management techniques and the role of natural habitats in storing and slowing down the flow of water and further evidence of the current practices of building on floodplains.

See also our inital inquiry response and oral evidence

6 January 2008,

Why does Biodiversity Matter?

The loss of wildlife is not just of importance to scientists and enthusiasts. The loss of genetic diversity, species, and damage to habitats and ecosystems affects us all, in many ways that we are only beginning to understand. It sustains us and contributes to our quality of life by providing places to enjoy, relax in and learn from. It also provides us with ecological services upon which our lives depend – services such as flood defence, clean water, healthy soils, and food.

Both of these contribute immensely to our economy and well-being.

16 December 2007, LINK

Inquiry into the Transposition of EU Directives

Written evidence from Scottish Environment LINK to the Scottish Parlaiment's Europe and External Relations Committee.

WE believe that transpositions should be fit for purpose, reflect agreed national policy priorities and seek to be consistent with existing legislation wherever possible. LINK recommends that Government and Parliament should work together closely to set up a transparent, stakeholder-accessible process which enables direct and effective engagement with EU Directives from ‘upstream’ development through to on the ground implementation in Scotland.

See also: Annex 1, LINKs response to the Environmental Liability Directive Consultation

12 December 2007, LINK Freshwater Taskforce

Flooding and Flood Management Inquiry

The Freshwater Taskforce warmly welcomes the remit of this inquiry and we hope that the evidence we provide will be helpful in informing the future flooding policies. This written evidence focuses on key issues in relation to the new Flooding Bill and sustainable flood management; and the role of natural flood management in that process.

This document highlights our 5 asks in relation to the new Flooding Bill:

• Review, streamline and where necessary amend the existing legislation on flooding
• Clarify and where necessary strengthen the responsibilities for flood management and ensure better co-ordination between ‘responsible’ authorities
• Transpose the requirements of the EU Directive on the Management of Flood Risk
• Ensure close links with river basin management planning under the WFD including public participation, with regional and national advisory flood groups
• Put in place a more flexible, integrated funding for hard and soft-engineering measures linked with the delivery of catchment flood management plans.

See also Letter to the Committee and Annexes

14 October 2007, LINK Marine Taskforce

A Scottish Marine Bill with the Environment at its Heart

In his announcement on a Scottish Marine Bill in June 2007, Richard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, promised a Bill that would deliver a simpler regulatory system for the marine environment, more action on marine nature conservation, a strategic national approach and greater local control over marine and coastal areas.

Scottish Environment LINK is campaigning for a Scottish Marine Bill that would ensure all of the above and place nature conservation at the very heart of the Bill.

2 August 2007, LINK Freshwater Taskforce

Towards sustainable flood management in Scotland

A briefing prepared by the Freshwater Taskforce of the Scottish Environment LINK on the implementation of Sustainable Flood Management (SFM) through primary legislation.

Climate change predictions suggest that Scotland is set to get wetter and stormier, increasing the risk of flooding. Therefore floods that are currently considered ‘extreme’ will become more common in future. The current flooding policies have seen millions of pounds invested into concrete flood prevention schemes, which only provide short-term solutions and often increase the risk of flooding elsewhere. An intention to introduce a new Flooding Bill was announced by the First Minister on 5 September. We see this as a major opportunity to implement a modern, sustainable approach to flood management. Sustainable Flood Management (SFM) is not a new concept in Scotland – it was embedded in the WEWS Act through a duty on Scottish Executive, SEPA and ‘responsible’ authorities to ‘promote SFM’. However, 4 years on and nothing has actually happened on the ground. Much work needs to be done to prepare for the Flooding Bill, which is discussed here in further detail.

13 May 2007, LINK Sustainable Scotland Taskforce

Greener Scotland Debate

Managing our environment well is integral to successful governance, as a rich and diverse natural and cultural heritage is the cornerstone of a high quality sustainable economy. If done properly, looking after our environment and preserving our natural resources can enhance economic activity. For example, maintaining healthy seas ensures a sustainable fishing industry and enhances wildlife tourism. On land, the Scottish countryside is a major attraction for tourists and brings in £3.6 billion in revenue annually. In some cases, such as tackling climate change, investment is essential and can kick start new industries – such as the renewable energy industry.

Briefing for the Executive 'Greener Scotland' debate

3 February 2007, LINK Freshwater Taskforce

Briefing on Sustainable Flood Management

Flooding is a natural phenomenon, but one that is also exacerbated by human mismanagement of the environment. One of the results is that more and more people, particularly the vulnerable, are living in fear of flooding. The problem of flooding has been made worse by the way we construct and defend ourselves against floods, and the way we manage catchments.

10 November 2006, LINK Planning Taskforce

Planning etc. (Scotland) Bill Stage 3 Breifings

Scottish Environment LINK Planning Task Force is concerned that the Planning etc. (Scotland) Bill, as it currently stands, will not deliver the objective of greater public involvement and confidence in the planning process. There are amendments being proposed at Stage 3 that could rectify this. This legislation offers a rare opportunity to set the framework for the development process across Scotland for decades to come. We encourage MSPs to consider the benefits that the following amendments would bring to the Bill...

Prepared for the stage 3 debate 15th & 16th November 2006

2 October 2006, LINK Marine Taskforce

A Marine Bill for Scotland: Urgently needed to sustain Scotland’s seas

A breifing on a Marine bill for Scotland written for delegates at the Autumn 2006 Political Party conference season

7 June 2006, LINK Landscape Taskforce

National Scenic Areas

Comments on the proposed updating of National Scenic Areas, through amendment of the Planning, etc (Scotland) Bill.

Many of the critical land use changes which can affect landscape do not require planning permission. It is essential, therefore, to achieve the stated aims of NSAs, that an integrated management approach is taken which includes consideration of agricultural measures, e.g. under the Rural Development Plan for Scotland, and forestry measures and which includes working with all relevant public sector bodies. These should include Visit Scotland and Historic Scotland. The proposed reform of NSAs as it stands will not, on its own, deliver the desired result.

5 June 2006, LINK Climate Change Taskforce

Climate Change Action Plan Debate

Scottish Environment LINK welcomes the setting of a Scottish Target for reducing carbon emissions and the commitment to report annually to the Parliament on progress. In order to ensure the effective implementation of the Climate Change Programme, LINK would also like to see:

• Annual targets and annual reports on progress towards current targets on greenhouse gas emissions, energy efficiency and % of electricity from renewables.
• Clear sectoral targets for reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and energy conservation/efficiency
• Continued commitment to achieving the target to stabilise road traffic levels at 2001 by 2011, and annual targets and an action plan to achieve this

1 June 2006, LINK Freshwater Taskforce

Living within Environmental Limits

In order to keep our water environment healthy, we need reliable and sustainable water services. However, in some parts of our country, the amount of water being abstracted and lost through leakage is unsustainable, and damaging to wildlife and the environment. Some areas of Scotland still suffer from pollution caused by inadequate treatment of sewage and by sewer flooding. Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) estimates that 2062km of rivers, coastal waters and estuaries are at risk from sewage pollution and other Scottish Water (SW) related activities.

15 May 2006, LINK Planning Taskforce

Planning etc. (Scotland) Bill Stage One Briefing

LINK remains concerned about the National Planning Framework (NPF), sustainable development and lack of meaningful public participation...

1 May 2006, LINK Freshwater Taskforce

Implementation of the WEWS (2003) Act, Annual Report 2005

Evidence to the Environment and Rural Development Committee on progress of implementation of the Water Environment and Water Services Act (WEWS Act) in Scotland, the Act that transposed the European Water Framework Directive (WFD), the most important piece of European environmental legislation aiming to protect and enhance the water environment.

22 February 2006, LINK Woodlands Taskforce

Developments in the Biomass Industry

The Committee’s interest in the development of biomass is welcomed. Electricity represents approximately 20% of all the energy used in households in Scotland, leaving around 80% as energy generated for heat. The generation of an increasing proportion of this energy from sustainable sources, such as biomass, in conjunction with targets for emission reduction, stabilisation of energy consumption and energy efficiency will contribute significantly to Scotland meeting aspirations for a 60% reduction in carbon emissions by 2050...

Written submission to support oral evidence.

8 February 2006, LINK Planning Taskforce

Written Evidence on Stage 1 of the Planning Bill

Written submission to the Scottish Palriaments Communities Commitee to support LINKs oral evidence at Stage 1 of the Planning etc. (Scotland) Bill.

2 February 2006, LINK Planning Taskforce

The Planning etc. (Scotland) Bill

The Bill contains many useful proposals, but will remain a missed opportunity unless a number of omissions are addressed, in particular:

• The absence of any opportunity for individuals or communities to challenge the National Planning Framework;
• The failure to meaningfully address issues surrounding public participation in the planning system, most notably the inability of third parties to appeal against the approval of particular types of development; and
• The absence of a clear purpose for the planning system based on sustainable development and applicable to more than simply development plans.

14 December 2005, LINK Marine Taskforce

Coastal and Marine National Parks - Scotland's Opportunity

This paper represents the views of the LINK members listed below on the design and management of Scotland’s first Coastal and Marine National Park (CMNP). It is intended to contribute to advice to Ministers being developed by SNH by March 2006 in relation to the location, design and management of the first CMNP. Our recommendations here complement the broader-scale improvements in marine management we hope will result from the proposed UK Marine Bill and, in due course, a Marine (Scotland) Act1. In particular, we believe a Marine Act is needed in Scotland to deliver a comprehensive network of marine reserves for nationally important habitats and species, as well as a Marine Spatial Planning system and a lead Marine Authority. While a CMNP clearly cannot deliver these more strategic needs, we believe it can demonstrate better management in one outstanding area of coast and sea, and will complement future policy developments.

10 December 2005, LINK Marine Taskforce

Why Scotland Needs its Own Marine Act

At least 85 pieces of legislation and 13 UK and Scottish departments govern the marine environment. As a result, marine regulation is piecemeal and management is: sectoral rather than integrated; reactive rather than planned; driven by short term decisions rather than on a long-term basis and based on resource exploitation rather than limited by the capacity of the marine ecosystem to support uses. As a result fish stocks, marine species and habitats and coastal communities suffer.

Although marine species and habitats straddle political boundaries, Westminster jurisdiction over most marine activities stops outside Scotland’s 12 nautical mile (nm) territorial limit: DEFRA recognise this. “Where they have responsibility for the management of their territorial waters it will be for the devolved administrations to determine the need to bring forward any new legislation’. So, even if a UK Marine Bill delivers a commitment to Marine Spatial Planning and new MPAs, it can only apply to reserved matters and will not cover most activities taking place in Scottish waters. Joined-up management in Scottish territorial waters requires devolved legislation.

30 August 2005, LINK Planning Taskforce

10 Myths about Third Party Rights of Appeal

• Myth 1: TPRA would add significantly to delays in the planning system
• Myth 2: TPRA would add to the cost of the planning system
• Myth 3: TPRA would create a ‘meddler’s charter’
• Myth 4: TPRA would be a deterrent to investment in the economy
• Myth 5: TPRA would undermine local democracy
• Myth 6: TPRA would create an unmanageable administrative burden
• Myth 7: The supporters of TPRA are unrepresentative of communities, fundamentally opposed to change, and would object to any development
• Myth 8: Other improvements in the planning system, such as greater front-end consultation, are more important that TPRA and should be pursued instead.
• Myth 9: TPRA would block social developments, such as schools and hospitals
• Myth 10: TPRA would reinforce an adversarial approach

Find the truth...

16 June 2005, LINK

Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Bill Stage 1 Briefing

Strategic Environmental Assessment is a tool for factoring in environmental consideration at the beginning of the decision making process. Enshrining SEA in primary legislation, fit for Scotland, is a significant step towards factoring the environment into decision making. The introduction and application of Strategic Environmental Assessment should help us avoid many long-term costs of having to rectify environmental damage arising from inappropriate policy decisions.

5 June 2005, LINK

Natural Environment and Rural Communities Bill

There is one issue on which we would seek clarification from the Executive. Clause 34(2)(a) appears to us to be drafted somewhat ambiguously; this clause should reflect the current practice of JNCC and the individual nature conservation bodies, such as SNH. We, therefore, seek assurance from the Executive that, while liaison with JNCC and collective action with or through JNCC should occur wherever possible, this clause cannot be used to prevent SNH, or the Executive itself, from taking appropriate action in Scotland if it so chooses.

30 April 2005, LINK

Evidence to the Environment and Rural Development Committee on the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Bill

LINK welcome this bill as a significant step towards putting the environment at the heart of government and note that it is markedly better than the limited scope for SEA introduced by the Regulations and Directive. In seeking to broaden the application of SEA, we should avoid many of the long-term costs of having to rectify environmental damage arising from inappropriate policy decisions.

28 February 2005, LINK Climate Change Taskforce

Written Evidence to the Environment and Rural Development Committee Inquiry on Climate Change

LINK Climate Change Action Plan calls on the Scottish Executive to develop, implement and resource a detailed Scottish Strategy on Climate Change which brings together social, environmental and economic interests to reduce emissions and improve quality of life.

 

1 December 2004, LINK Access Taskforce

Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003: Draft Guidance for Local Authorities and National Park Authorities

We are concerned that the Act and the intention behind the legislation have been wrongly or too narrowly interpreted. We feel that these areas could lead to misunderstandings in the implementation of the Act, and would like to draw these to the attention of the committee so that they may be placed on public record.Submission to the Justice 1 Committee from the Scottish Environment LINK Access Network

11 March 2004, LINK Historic Environment Review Taskforce

The Historic Environment: Worth caring for, worth investing in

Briefing Note from the LINK/BEFS Historic Environment Review Taskforce (HERT)

Debate on the Historic Environment Scottish Parliament, 11 March 2004.