Species Action Framework

BACKGROUND

The Consultation Process - 2006

The Species Action Framework was produced following the outcome of a public consultation which ran from March to June 2006. During this period approximately 3,560 copies of the consultation document were distributed and 1,136 copies downloaded from the SNH web site.

The responses to the Species Action Framework were encouraging and generated many interesting ideas as well as general support. A number of issues and concerns were also raised and they were addressed in the final document.

The public consultation document can be downloaded here, as can the SNH Board paper which summarises the findings (Making a Difference for Scotland’s Species: A Framework for Action Public consultation process and initial findings, Board paper SNH/06/9/3) 

 

The Launch of the Species Action Framework - 2007

Following the consultation, the final Species Action Framework received a ministerial launch at Hopetoun House, South Queensferry, in January 2007. In addition to publishing a Species Action List of 32 species to be the focus of action for five years, a strategic approach to species management in Scotland was set out.

The full Species Action Framework document and a summary leaflet, both published in January 2007, can be downloaded here although a summary of our approach to species management is also given below.The launch press release can also be viewed.

SNH has committed £800K to fund new, targeted species management action for the first year of the five year programme, 2007/8.  However, SNH will not be the only organisation involved in implementing the Species Action Framework. For some species we may not necessarily be the main lead. As the Ministerial foreword of the Framework document points out, we will need to work in partnership with other bodies, both statutory and voluntary. To emphasise this further, the Species Action Framework launch included short presentations by representatives from the Deer Commission for Scotland, Forestry Commission Scotland and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency during which they offered support to the Framework process. Scottish Government was the main partner involved in the production of the Framework publication.

 

Summary of the Species Action Framework


Why do we manage species?

SNH’s long term aim is for thriving and, where possible, self-sustaining and self-regulating populations of native species, distributed throughout their natural range

When is species management needed?

There are four main situations:

1. Species conservation  - where targeted action is focused on the needs of a species to increase its range or population size because it is at risk in Scotland or internationally, or because it plays a vital role in achieving healthy ecosystems. 
2. Invasive non-native species - where species that are not native to a particular area threaten biodiversity aims. 
3. Conflicts of interest involving native species  - when the behaviour of a species brings it into conflict with people’s interests or with the conservation of other species or habitats. 
4. Sustainable use of species - where a species in the wild is a resource of social or economic benefit (e.g. field sports, fisheries). 

Which species should be the focus of species management efforts?

A new ‘Species Action List’ of 32 species where new, focused effort and resources over the next five years could make the most difference to biodiversity has been produced .

How do we manage species for biodiversity?

The following five principles should guide all species management:

1. Species management is a shared responsibility
2. There are ecological and socio-economic aspects to species management decisions
3. Species management benefits from a strategic approach
4. Species management needs an adaptive approach
5. Management activity should have regard to animal welfare

Practitioners of land and water management will be key partners in meeting the biodiversity conservation objectives outlined in this Framework for action.