THE Scottish Government has set out a 10-year plan to halt the decline of bee and butterfly populations, which have declined by more than 50 per cent since 1980.
Ministers have approved a “pollinator strategy” in a bid to protect the insects and boost flower-rich habitats due to fears that their demise could lead to food insecurity and affect both the economy and human health.
The strategy aims to promote use of green urban infrastructure, such as rooftop gardens, and to restore wild meadows and similar habitats favoured by bees, butterflies and hoverflies.
Led by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), alongside the Bee Farmers’ Association, the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, the National Farmers’ Union and Scottish Land and Estates, it will also look at the development of bee and butterfly-friendly pest control.
Many pesticides are toxic to bees and have largely been blamed for population decreases. New research into the impact of climate change on pollinators will also be commissioned.
SNH chairman Mike Cantlay said there was growing evidence that bees and butterflies were “facing tough times”. He said: “Pollination is crucial for our environment and, therefore, our own health, wealth and wellbeing. This strategy sets out what needs to be done to ensure these bees and insects survive and thrive for generations to come, contributing to healthy ecosystems and landscapes in our country.”
Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said action was needed to make Scotland “pollinator-friendly”. She added: “Scotland’s biodiversity is one of our key assets, and the contribution the humble bumble bee and other pollinators make to this wonderful environment should not be underestimated.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel