{"id":63,"date":"2017-01-05T14:21:59","date_gmt":"2017-01-05T14:21:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.gov.scot\/scotlands-environment\/?p=63"},"modified":"2018-06-25T17:12:53","modified_gmt":"2018-06-25T16:12:53","slug":"2017-priorities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.gov.scot\/rural-environment\/2017\/01\/05\/2017-priorities\/","title":{"rendered":"2017 priorities"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"environment-pic\"<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a time of year when it is all too easy to retreat indoors, turn up the heating, draw the curtains, and forget the wonders of the Scottish landscape.<\/p>\n

But the short days and the long nights of January provide an ideal opportunity to start planning the year ahead.<\/p>\n

The Cairngorms in winter, springtime in the Borders, summer days in the Hebrides or the glories of Highland Perthshire in autumn \u2013 anyone planning a trip right here at home has a myriad of choice.<\/p>\n

Of course, our mountains, lochs and rivers have their own inherent value. Scotland\u2019s landscape helps shape our sense of national identity and, arguably, our national character.<\/p>\n

Ours is a country rich in natural capital \u2013 the resources which underpin a strong economy.<\/p>\n

As Ban Ki-moon once remarked: \u201cIt is time to recognize that human capital and natural capital are every bit as important as financial capital\u201d.<\/p>\n

Scotland\u2019s natural environment is estimated to be worth more than \u00a320 billion per annum to the economy and it directly supports more than 60,000 jobs.<\/p>\n

Its true value, of course, is incalculable.<\/p>\n

That is why it is vital that we continue to develop and manage our environmental resources sustainably, allowing future generations to benefit from them in years to come.<\/p>\n

2017 promises to be highly significant for everyone who cares about our environment.<\/p>\n

One of the biggest priorities for me in the new year will be working to secure Scotland\u2019s place in Europe.<\/p>\n

Membership of the European Union has driven up environmental standards in so many areas.<\/p>\n

We have all benefited from co-operation to improve the quality of the air we breathe and the water we drink.<\/p>\n

These are just two examples and there are so many more.<\/p>\n

It would certainly be a mistake to forget that the EU has also been a driving force in securing a global, legally binding agreement to address climate change.<\/p>\n

I have repeatedly made clear that I am not prepared to turn back the clock on standards of environmental protection.<\/p>\n