Latest news with #UNESCOBiosphere
The National
29-05-2025
- Politics
- The National
Scottish Government scraps plans for Galloway national park
Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon confirmed that opposition to the nomination and the reporter's recommendations against it meant that the region in southwest Scotland would not join the Cairngorms and Loch Lomond & the Trossachs as the country's third national park. It comes after what has been described as 'intense lobbying' from opponents, with the National Farmers Union Scotland (NFUS) having recorded 29 meetings with ministers and MSPs between January last year and February this year. Speaking in the Scottish Parliament, Gougeon said: 'While there is substantial support for a National Park and what it could deliver for the southwest of Scotland, there is also significant opposition. I realise that this decision will be very disappointing for those who have been campaigning for a new National Park in Galloway over many years. 'I also recognise the huge amount of work and time that has been invested by a great many people throughout this process. I would like to thank everyone involved, including members of the Galloway National Park Association and the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere." READ MORE: National park supporters urge ministers not to scrap Galloway proposal She added: 'The Scottish Government remains committed to our existing National Parks and the vital leadership role that they play in tackling the climate and biodiversity crises, promoting sustainable land management and supporting the economic and social development of local communities. Our National Parks are achieving for people and nature.' Karen Blackport, co-convenor of the Scottish Rewilding Alliance and chief executive of Bright Green Nature, said: 'By scrapping plans for a Galloway National Park, the Scottish Government has yet again proved it cannot successfully plot a path to a wilder Scotland. This decision undermines efforts to restore nature, protect wildlife and support resilient rural communities. Amidst a climate and biodiversity crisis, Scotland needs leadership and vision – not another retreat from meaningful action. 'The Scottish Government must now use the Natural Environment Bill to begin a new phase for Scotland's national parks – ensuring that everyone can benefit from wilder national parks that can be the jewels in the crown of Scotland's nature recovery and its journey towards becoming a Rewilding Nation.' RSPB Scotland also reacted to the decsion, stating: "Today's announcement that a new national park for Galloway will not be going ahead is very disappointing news. "It has been over twenty years since our two existing national parks, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs and the Cairngorms, were designated. Since then, these places have evolved into important landscapes both for nature and for people. "A number of RSPB Scotland's reserves sit within national parks, and we believe that a third national park in Scotland – whether in Galloway or elsewhere – should be a welcome proposal that would deliver positive outcomes for nature. "Following today's decision, RSPB Scotland is calling on the Scottish Government to swiftly come forward with alternative additional measures that clearly demonstrate its commitment to restoring nature and tackling the nature and climate emergency."
Daily Record
26-05-2025
- Daily Record
New guides encourage people to explore delights of Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere
The biosphere partnership has added itineraries for The Stewartry and also Carrick and Alloway to its Low Carbon Days Out series. Two new guides aim to encourage people to explore the delights of the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere. The biosphere partnership has added itineraries for The Stewartry and also Carrick and Alloway to its Low Carbon Days Out series, joining existing guides for Sanquhar and Wanlockhead, The Machars and Stranraer and The Rhins of Galloway. The scheme aims to promote environmentally-friendly leisure and tourism in south west Scotland, providing ideas for adventures that can be enjoyed by bus, bike and rail. The biosphere partnership's communications and marketing lead, Tamara Fulcher, said: 'We were absolutely delighted with the feedback from last year's launch, though it wasn't entirely a surprise; people are actively looking for opportunities to be more sustainable on holiday and in their free time and Low Carbon Days Out were created in response to that ask. 'They address the urgency of action for sustainability without being preachy or proscriptive; it's all about raising confidence in alternative ways to explore, and inspiring people to leave the car at home from time to time. 'Adding two new routes has expanded coverage of this vast UNESCO Biosphere and is a fantastic complement to our other self-guided itineraries which offer a range of themes and a choice of starting points. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. "I'd add that we warmly welcome enquiries from any local business that would like to host Low Carbon Days Out leaflets, we'd be very pleased to send them a batch to share with customers and guests.' Recommended places to stop along the new route include Castle Douglas, Kirkcudbright and Cairnsmore of Fleet National Nature Reserve. Each guide is free and can be used on a mobile phone, with copies also available from community venues, travel hubs, and tourist information points. Up-to-date bus and train schedules are provided for each route, accessed directly via QR codes on the leaflets and through links on the Low Carbon Days Out webpages.
Listly
30-12-2024
- Listly
The Best Beaches in Vietnam
For those looking to explore beyond the mainland, Cham Islands offer a beautiful day-trip destination just a short boat ride from Hoi An. The islands are part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, known for their stunning marine life and clear waters. Hon Lao Island, the largest in the archipelago, boasts some of the best beaches in the area, including Bai Chong and Bai Xep. Cham Island beaches are perfect for snorkelling and diving, thanks to their vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine species. Bai Chong is a particularly popular spot, offering a blend of soft sand and rocky outcrops, with calm waters ideal for swimming. Bai Xep, on the other hand, is a quieter, less developed beach where you can enjoy solitude and pristine nature.
