Historic net zero investment will make Cairngorms even more iconic
The Scottish Greens have hailed the announcement of a £10.7 million investment by Heritage Lottery Fund into the Cairngorms 2030 programme, which will make the Cairngorms National Parks the UK’s first net zero national park. The total value of the programme could reach up to £42 million.
The party’s rural affairs spokesperson Ariane Burgess has called it a “historic day for Scotland’s nature” and said it will leave a “thriving and sustainable legacy for future generations.”
The investment, which was announced today by the First Minister, Humza Yousaf, and the Scottish Green Minister for Biodiversity, Lorna Slater, is being delivered through the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
As a result of the cooperation agreement between the Scottish Greens and the Scottish Government, there will be at least one new national park created over the course of this Parliamentary term.
Ms Burgess said: “This is a historic day for Scotland’s nature. The Cairngorms National Park is world-renowned, and this milestone net zero investment will make it even more iconic.
“By creating vast new woodland, supporting active travel, restoring nature and working with the local community, this project will establish the Cairngorms as a beacon of sustainability and set a crucial precedent for all national parks across the UK to follow.
“Scotland has wildlife and beauty that any country would envy and that can be at the forefront of our transition to a fairer, greener future, including for agriculture, farming, ecotourism and outdoor education.
Commenting on the creation of a new national park, Ms Burgess added: “Our national parks are treasures that benefit us all. I am delighted that a Scottish Green Minister, Lorna Slater, will be creating at least one more over the years ahead. It will leave a living and thriving and sustainable legacy for future generations.
“I urge everyone to support the projects in their areas and help choose your next national park.”