Written Question · S2W-21246 · Session 2
Why there are no representatives on the Coastal and Marine National Parks stakeholder group of local community groups that have already exp…
The question
To ask the Scottish Executive why there are no representatives on the Coastal and Marine National Parks stakeholder group of local community groups that have already expressed an interest in coastal and marine national parks and what discussions are being held with such groups to ensure that their views are taken into account in the consultation process.
The answer
I understand that the purposeof Scottish Natural Heritage’s (SNH) national stakeholder group is to provide aforum for debate on the policy and legal issues that I have asked for its adviceon. It is also acting as a sounding board on the general process used for identifyingpossible areas rather than on the specific areas themselves. Membership of thisgroup was therefore focussed on representation from national bodies.
Scottish Natural Heritage hasprovided a number of opportunities for other groups to participate. In August, theywrote to over 300 organisations who had declared an interest in this issue alertingthem to the work which SNH had been asked to undertake and seeking views. Thereare also links on the SNH website and a message board which enable those with aninterest to register their views. In addition SNH has recently held two nationalseminars to discuss the work which I understand were attended by over 150 people.
Scottish Natural Heritage havealso responded to requests from national and local stakeholders who have requestedbilateral meetings. Scottish Natural Heritage were represented at the recent HebrideanMarine National Park Partnership annual general meeting, and the Mull and IonaCommunity Trust annual general meeting. I understand that they also plan to meetwith the Fair Isle Marine Environment andTourism Initiative and the Scottish SustainableMarine Environment Initiative committee in Shetland in the near future. Most ofthese organisations
- plus the Wester Ross Alliance and the Arisaig Community Council- have attended the national seminars.
I have asked for SNH’s reportby March 2006, and this will be followed by a full Executive consultation with stakeholderinterest, including local community groupsthat have expressed an interest in coastal and marine national parks.
Scottish Natural Heritage hasprovided a number of opportunities for other groups to participate. In August, theywrote to over 300 organisations who had declared an interest in this issue alertingthem to the work which SNH had been asked to undertake and seeking views. Thereare also links on the SNH website and a message board which enable those with aninterest to register their views. In addition SNH has recently held two nationalseminars to discuss the work which I understand were attended by over 150 people.
Scottish Natural Heritage havealso responded to requests from national and local stakeholders who have requestedbilateral meetings. Scottish Natural Heritage were represented at the recent HebrideanMarine National Park Partnership annual general meeting, and the Mull and IonaCommunity Trust annual general meeting. I understand that they also plan to meetwith the Fair Isle Marine Environment andTourism Initiative and the Scottish SustainableMarine Environment Initiative committee in Shetland in the near future. Most ofthese organisations
- plus the Wester Ross Alliance and the Arisaig Community Council- have attended the national seminars.
I have asked for SNH’s reportby March 2006, and this will be followed by a full Executive consultation with stakeholderinterest, including local community groupsthat have expressed an interest in coastal and marine national parks.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S2W-21246 by reference.