Commenting on the Scottish budget, Deborah Long, Chief Officer of Scottish Environment LINK, said:
“The Scottish Government has been clear that we face climate and nature emergencies. Ministers have set out an ambitious and wide-ranging series of actions to protect our environment, all of which require resourcing.
“We were highly concerned that funding for NatureScot and the other environmental agencies may fall, as had been reported in advance of the budget. If Ministers have heard our concerns, that is welcome.
“It is welcome that this budget recognises the urgency of investing in Scotland’s environment and our environmental agencies now. Ensuring they are resourced to deliver vital, urgent and increasing roles in protecting and restoring Scotland’s environment is welcome.
“There remain challenges in the funding of other policy areas that impact the environment. We will continue to work with the Scottish Government to ensure that our response to the climate and nature emergencies is up to the challenge.
“We understand that the Scottish Government faces a very difficult fiscal outlook. But politics is about setting priorities, and we are continuously told that the environment is a priority for this government. The budget for our environmental agencies reflects that.”
ENDS
Image: Sandra Graham