Protecting Scotland's nature
Protected areas
Represent the best of Scotland's landscapes, plants and animals, rocks, fossils and landforms, and help ensure that they are protected and managed.
Protected species
Some animals and plants are so threatened by or vulnerable to activities that they need protection everywhere.
Species licensing
A licence allows somebody to carry out an action in relation to a protected species that might otherwise be against the law.
Species Action Framework
Find out more about this novel approach to species management which finished in March 2012. A conference will be held in November 2012.
Safeguarding biodiversity
Biodiversity is the natural capital which supports all our lives and is vital for our survival, for our country and our planet.
Safeguarding geodiversity
Geodiversity is the variety of rocks, minerals, fossils,landforms, sediments and soils together with the natural processes which forms and alter them.
Looking after our landscapes
Looking after our landscapes is not about preserving all landscapes in their current form. Landscape change can be positive, if it is well planned and managed.
Protecting nature outwith protected areas
Although protected areas play an important role in safeguarding important and vulnerable habitats and species, they cannot succeed in isolation.