First Minster’s comments welcomed as GNPA hopes for an all-party agreement on a positive way ahead for Galloway
Campaigners have invited the new Cabinet Secretary in charge of environmental protection on a fact-finding trip after First Minister Nicola Sturgeon declared that she was “very open” to letting the public have their say on a Galloway National Park.
The Galloway National Park Association (GNPA) hopes that an all-party consensus can be reached in the new Scottish Parliament on the way ahead.
Ms Sturgeon told The Galloway News that she is committed to the target of protecting 30% of land for nature by 2030 and that a Galloway National Park “perhaps has a big part to play in that”.
Rob Lucas, Chair of the Association, said: “The First Minister’s comments were hugely encouraging, as is the support of all our local MSPs – from the Conservative and Labour parties and the SNP. The time has come to move forward, especially with the COP26 climate change conference being held in Glasgow this year.
“We have written to Michael Matheson MSP to congratulate him on his appointment as Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport with responsibility for environmental protection and have asked for a meeting as soon as possible.
“We would be particularly delighted to host a visit to the region where he could discover for himself the benefits a Galloway National Park would bring.
“The recent election showed that there is a real enthusiasm for this project both locally and across Scotland, with most parties, including the Greens and Lib Dems, making manifesto commitments on new National Parks.”
The proposal also has the active support of Dumfries and Galloway Council.
The GNPA believes that a new National Park would give people and businesses in Galloway a greater say in shaping their own future and would:
- Make a major contribution to Scotland’s commitment to protect 30% of land for nature by 2030 – helping tackle the climate crisis.
- Conserve, protect and promote some of Europe’s most beautiful landscapes and coastlines.
- Provide new jobs and sustainable business opportunities.
- Encourage community development
- Generate sustainable tourism
- Provide an abundance of new leisure and recreational opportunities.
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