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Budget - what it means for a greener Scotland
14/11/2007
The Strategic Spending Review 2007 brings significant investment for Scotland's natural resources, rural communities and support for delivery on the greener Scotland objective.
Key points of the Budget are:
- £154 million investment to take Scotland closer to becoming a zero-waste society
- £126 million to local authorities for flood defences
- £45 million for new woodlands - extending forest cover and our ability to absorb CO2 emissions and a new Sustainable Development and Climate Change fund worth a total of over £30 million
Richard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, said:
"We have set out clear priorities. Our spending and actions will reduce the impact we have on our local and global environment; and it will protect and enhance Scotland's unique environment.
"The investment will be targeted to help us make much greater use of our substantial renewable energy resource; to reduce the climate change emissions from transport, housing and business; and to improve Scotland's record on waste management and recycling.
"Across government we will ensure high standards of environmental performance and design as we refurbish the public sector estate.
"We will protect our environment through additional funding for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency's programmes addressing pollution. And we will promote active care for and enjoyment of our natural heritage through continued support for Scottish Natural Heritage and Scotland's national parks.
"All of this will benefit our rural and coastal communities.
"It is a welcome outcome for all land managers - given the opportunities in the £1.6bn Rural Development Programme. Rural development contracts will provide a significant level or resourcing for farming, forestry, environmental management and rural communities.
"We have earmarked more resources for crofting communities and substantial new investment in marine management for the new legislation and in vital science which underpins our policy for sustainable fisheries.
"I am committed to new Scottish marine legislation and have ensured additional resources to improve further our approach to marine and fisheries management over the next three years. This financial settlement provides a firm basis to develop distinct Scottish policies to safeguard our seas and help our marine based industries to prosper.
"There will clearly be challenges ahead but I am confident this gives us a firm foundation to realise our ambition for a greener Scotland and support for our rural communities."