An investigation has been launched to evaluate whether or not sufficient work is being finished to guard the habitats of Scotland’s endangered birds.
Environmental Standards Scotland (ESS) is opening a case to find out whether or not there was a failure to adjust to authorized duties relating to the classification of the Special Protection Area (SPA) community in Scotland. SPAs are designated to guard uncommon or vulnerable chicken species.
Scotland has 162 SPAs, earmarked to guard the properties of a variety of species, together with the golden eagle, Scotland’s nationwide chicken, and the capercaillie. The ESS inquiry will study the governance of suggestions by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
The committee advises Scottish ministers – in addition to the UK authorities and different devolved administrations – on elements of the classification and administration of SPAs and gives steering for conservation our bodies, together with NatureScot.
The investigation comes after considerations had been raised that environmental regulation relating to SPAs was not being totally applied throughout the UK and that non-compliance might negatively have an effect on protected birds in Scotland.
Mark Roberts, chief government of ESS, stated: “Scotland has over 160 SPAs spanning the length of the country, from the north of Shetland to the Solway Firth. These areas are fundamental to the safeguarding of our protected bird species, their nests, eggs and habitats.
“We’re announcing an investigation into the classification and governance of the SPA network following receipt of a representation that has raised concerns regarding the classification and adaptation of these SPAs in Scotland.
“Last year the Scottish Government declared a biodiversity crisis. Ensuring that the law that protects nature is fully and effectively implemented is an essential part of addressing that crisis. We will publish the results of our investigation in due course.”
The Office for Environmental Protection has launched a separate investigation into the SPA community in England and Northern Ireland. The Interim Environmental Protection Assessor for Wales can also be enterprise work that features SPAs.
Conservationists have welcomed the probes.
Katie-Jo Luxton, conservation director on the RSPB, stated: “Our network of SPAs should be fundamental to our efforts to halt and reverse wildlife decline. These are the areas that have been identified as being critical for wildlife.
“And yet nothing has been done to address the shortcomings of the UK’s network of SPAs.”
