Greens welcome decision to keep Scottish Forestry as a stand-alone agency
The Scottish Greens have welcomed the decision that Scottish Forestry will continue as a stand-alone Executive Agency.
The Programme for Government 26-27 proposed that Forestry Scotland could have merged with Sepa, NatureScot and Zero Waste Scotland as part of the Scottish Government’s public sector reform programme.
However, the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action said on Friday that this would not be going ahead and Scotland will retain its dedicated forestry agency.
Scottish Greens MSP Ariane Burgess said:
“I am glad the Scottish Government has listened to concerns from stakeholders and Scottish Forestry will continue to be a stand-alone agency.
“The forestry sector is a huge contributor to the Scottish economy, sustains thousands of jobs and is critical to delivering our long-term climate goals.
“It is critical to nature restoration, biodiversity and ensuring that we reach ambitious targets to plant new trees.”