This December, we had the opportunity to contribute to several important consultations that will shape the future of Scotland's environment, transportation, and marine management:
1️⃣ Draft Implementation Plan: Vision for Scotland's Public Electric Vehicle Charging Network We joined the conversation about the future of Scotland’s electric vehicle infrastructure, focusing on sustainable development and accessibility for all. 2️⃣ National Marine Plan 2 Planning Position Statement We provided feedback on Scotland’s updated National Marine Plan (NMP2), aiming to ensure that our seas are managed sustainably, balancing current needs with future challenges. 3️⃣ Environmental Protection (Single-Use Vapes) (Scotland) Regulations 2024 We participated in the consultation on proposed changes to regulations targeting single-use vapes, plastics, cotton buds, and microbeads, and the introduction of fixed penalty notices for offences. These consultations are crucial in shaping policies that protect our environment and ensure a sustainable future for Scotland. We're proud to be part of the process and encourage everyone to stay informed and get involved! #Scotland #PublicConsultation #EnvironmentalProtection #MarinePlanning #ElectricVehicles #Sustainability At Merman Conservation Expeditions Ltd, our mission is to advocate for policies that prioritize environmental sustainability and biodiversity conservation. That’s why we wholeheartedly support the proposed changes to Scottish Government policy, which aim to provide Ramsar sites with the same level of protection as European sites under the Habitats Regulations Appraisal (HRA) process.
Why These Changes Matter Ramsar sites are internationally recognized wetlands, essential for preserving biodiversity, mitigating climate change, and supporting local ecosystems. However, despite their importance, the protection measures for these sites have not been as robust as those for European sites. Aligning Ramsar site protections with European standards will:
Supporting this policy change aligns with our core values and long-term vision of protecting ecosystems for future generations. At Merman Conservation Expeditions Ltd, we believe that a stronger framework for Ramsar sites benefits not only wildlife but also communities and industries that rely on healthy ecosystems. Let’s protect what matters. 💚 forward movement for the #StopFinEU campaign to end the fin trade in Europe! And this time ANYONE can take action for sharks. All you need is 5 minutes to make a massive impact, here's how...
At this stage the European Commission is accepting public comments via their official questionnaire. This is your opportunity to participate, deadline is June 4th 2024. The questions are focused on policy options. These are loaded questions, so be very careful and read the details below before you begin. This is completely about your opinion, any suggestions we make below are simply that, suggestions. Click the links below if you want to see how Shark Allies answered. To participate, go to this link and create a log in. Here are some overall points that might help you understand and navigate the process: For each question you have six option ranging from VERY POSITIVE to VERY NEGATIVE and NO OPINION. Be aware that the Commission will most likely just tally the results automatically and not carefully consider subtleties you want to express. It’s probably best to be very obvious in your selection. NEUTRAL is a better choice than NO OPINION to show that there is most likely no impact, or there will be negative and positive changes that will balance out. When you read the proposed policy options (#2-7) please keep in mind that they are not asking whether these are good practices to pursue in general (most of them are), but whether this is the one policy solution they should chose (instead of a fin trade ban). So your answers should reflect whether that particular policy option will bring the effect you desire. If you are in favor of a fin trade ban, then policy options #2-5 are completely undesirable, since they would not create any effective change. At best they would be NEUTRAL. Therefore, the environmental impacts would be VERY NEGATIVE (because very little would change and systems keep degrading) and most of the social and economic impacts would be NEUTRAL, because they wouldn’t change much from what they are now (with the exception being tourism and human health). You will see why, as you read on. For guidance on the questionaire in multiple languages, you can follow along at the link below: https://sharkallies.org/eu-action |
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