Archived Sustainable Tourism E-news

TEF E-News - Issue 5 - February 2005

Welcome to the 5th issue of the Tourism and Environment Forum (TEF) E-Newsletter, which is full of information about green issues that affect Scotland’s tourism industry.

To receive our e-newsletter every two months, tick the box at the bottom of the Contact Us form and tell us your email address. It's as simple as that! And sit back and let us keep you updated with green tourism news from across Scotland.

Communication is the Key to Success

TEF want to enhance communication between public agencies, organisations and tourism businesses to the benefit of Scotland’s natural tourism advantage, the environment.

TEF – working together to sustain Scotland’s natural advantage.

EXECUTIVE ANNOUNCE COMMITMENT TO A MARINE STRATEGY

In January, the Environment and Rural Development Minister Ross Finnie announced the Executive's commitment to developing a Marine Strategy for Scotland's coasts and seas. The Strategy will provide a framework for sustainable management of Scotland's coast and offshore environments by balancing environmental, social and economic needs.

Mr Finnie said; "I am firmly committed to the concept of a marine environment strategy. There is work to be done to ensure that the wide range of interests in the marine environment - including our fishing and tourist industries, energy interests, environmentalists and local communities - work more effectively towards shared objectives.”

For more information:

News Article

OUTDOOR CODE FOR NEW ACCESS RIGHTS

On February the 9th Scotland's new Right of Responsible Access came into force which imposes a duty on landowners to provide access to and across their land and gives people more freedom to enjoy the countryside. In return for these new rights, the public must act reponsibly and follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code which details how the rights should be exercised. The Code sets out how the public can be aware of their impact on the environment and the livelihood of those who live and work on the land.

To publicise the Code, SNH is also launching a Spring Access Festival with events throughout Scotland. The Spring Outdoor Access Festival will run from March 18-28. Many different organisations are laying on events.

For more information:

NATURE & NURTURE

Tourism & Environment Forum continue to offer support to tourism businesses involved in nature based tourism (NBT). During March, the Forum will be hosting a series of seminars aimed at businesses interested in the opportunities which NBT presents. Open to all, the seminars will be free and the venues will be announced shortly. If you are interested in attending, please email enquiries@greentourism.org.uk.

SCOTLAND'S NATURAL BEAUTY SUPPORTS TOURISM JOBS

Scotland's wildlife and landscapes contribute significantly to employment and have the potential to be a key driver in the Scottish economy, according to a new study commissioned by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH).

The report, 'The Role of the Natural Heritage in Generating and Supporting Employment Opportunities in Scotland', was published in December 2004 and reveals that Scotland's nature supports almost 93,000 jobs and nearly four per cent of all employees, generating £2.2 billion for the Scottish economy. Of the 93,000 jobs, nearly 70,000 were in tourism and related activities.

Archie Prentice, economist at SNH commented on the report; "We can all appreciate the aesthetic qualities of the great outdoors, but this report clearly proves that it is also a fundamental part of our economy. As well as the traditional industries such as forestry and farming, businesses based on the likes of nature-based tourism and the care and management of natural areas are growing contributors to the rural economy. This demonstrates just how important it is to look after our natural assets for the future, because they not only contribute to our health and well-being, but are also increasingly providing new jobs and income in fragile rural areas."

For more information:

Research News section

CALL OF THE WILD ON ARRAN

Due to growing demand for wildlife tourism from visitors to the island of Arran, Scottish Natural Heritage have organised a free training course for Hoteliers and B&B owners to boost their knowledge of local wildlife, scenery and geology. The course is being run for a second time to meet local demand, after the success of the first course in March 2004. Topics such as responsible wildlife-watching, how to meet visitors needs and expectations, and access, will be covered. It is hoped that wildlife tourism will extend the tourist season on Arran into early Spring and late Autumn, as well as attracting people to some of the less visited parts of the island.

The two day Wildlife Tourism training course runs on Tuesday 15th and Wednesday 16th March in the Countryside Centre at Brodick Country Park . If you are involved in the tourist industry on Arran and would like to attend the course, please contact David Lang at Scottish Natural Heritage on 01292 261392.

NETREGS MAKE IT EASY

The UK environmental regulators - Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA), Environment Agency (England and Wales) and the Environment and Heritage Service (Northern Ireland ) - are well aware of the difficulties small businesses within the hotels and restaurants sector can experience while trying to keep on top of environmental legislation.

To assist businesses, all three regulators have invested in Netregs, www.netregs.gov.uk , an online service providing free, plain language, practical guidance on how to comply with environmental legislation. It's aim is to help businesses stay within the law and cut costs in the process. Research commissioned by NetRegs has revealed that many smaller businesses have poor awareness of environmental legislation and nearly a third wanted more help and advice on environmental matters. Netregs can help with clear advice on the range of legislation that could affect so many aspects of the working day.

For more information:

TIME TO CHECK YOUR BAGS

Late March is the deadline for this year's applications for the Biodiversity Action Grant Scheme (BAGS). BAGS offers support to projects which improve access or interpretation of Scotland's natural environment. Projects from public, private and voluntary organisations are welcomed. Application forms will be published on the website in late February calling for applications by late March.

Projects funded to date have included sand dune conservation, improving access and interpretation, open cast mine habitat restoration, tree and shrub planting, and education.

For more information:

Scottish Biodiversity Forum
0131 244 6602

GLENLIVET ESTATE: THE GOLD IN THE CROWN

The Glenlivet estate, in the northeast of Scotland, has been awarded a Gold award under the Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS), for demonstrating excellence in environmental practice and promoting sustainable tourism. The Glenlivet estate, owned and managed by The Crown Estate since 1937, provides opportunities for sustained employment in agriculture, forestry, sporting and tourism. The three aspects of sustainable tourism (social, environmental and economic) are all well-balanced at the estate. The development of the estate's community is balanced with the need to protect and enhance the rich natural and cultural heritage. Maintaining this balance preserves the special qualities and characteristics of the countryside which combine to produce the remarkable Glenlivet landscape.

Andrew Wells, Countryside and Forestry Services Manager for The Crown Estate said: "We are extremely pleased to have achieved this standard and this award reflects the efforts that have gone into developing sustainable tourist facilities and services...We hope this award will encourage more people to visit this beautiful but remote part of Moray and help to promote management practices which protect the environment."

For more information:

FORESTRY COMMISSION PROTECT CAPERCAILLIE

Forestry Commission Scotland has permanently withdrawn its proposals to provide an off-road mountain-biking centre in the Sluggan Pass area of Glenmore Forest Park, near Aviemore, because a breeding Capercaillie was found in the area.

It is illegal under European and United Kingdom law to disturb breeding capercaillie. Following a study into the effects on capercaillie of recreational use of their habitat, the Commission decided to withdraw the proposals for an off-road centre but will continue to allow use of the low-key trail built on the site by local enthusiasts, and to permit club events at times when disturbance to capercaillie would be minimal. The Commission's Inverness district manager, David Jardine, explained: "We have a legal duty to protect the capercaillie, which is an icon of Scotland's native pinewoods. The existing level of use of this trail is proving to be compatible with successful capercaillie breeding, is not causing significant environmental damage, and can be used for events at times of the year when wildlife disturbance is less of an issue."

There are only about 2000 Capercaillie in Scotland. The number has doubled since the late 1990s but is still dramatically down on the estimated 20,000 there were in the 1970s.

For more information:

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Making the Most of the Coast , 7th March, Beach Ballroom, Aberdeen

The Science of Conserving Scotland's Biodiversity , 11th March, Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh

CoastNet Conference: Coastal Spatial Strategies , 15th March, University of Gent, Belgium

Transport and Environmental Impact in Tourism , 1st April, Napier University, Edinburgh

For more information on forthcoming events click here.

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CALL FOR STORIES:

If you would like to contribute to this or any of TEF’s publications, please contact Lorna by phone on 01463 723012, by email to enquiries@greentourism.org.uk , or post to Tourism and Environment Forum, Thistle House, Beechwood Park North, Inverness, IV2 3ED.

All contributions welcome and any comments too!