MSP Calls for protection of local Wetlands
Green MSP Ross Greer spoke about the importance of internationally protected wetlands at Loch Lomond and along the Clyde in a debate in Holyrood about the importance of protecting wetlands.
In warning about the threat to wetlands from development and the climate crisis, Ross stressed the need to protect the 51 wetland sites around Scotland that have the UN’s Ramsar designation as key sites for nature. One such site is a series of mud flats along the Clyde, reaching from Clydebank and Erskine to Helensburgh and Greenock. Another is at the edge of Loch Lomond near Gartocharn, which includes a number of the loch’s islands.
During the debate in Parliament, Ross said:
“Last month, our section of the Clyde featured heavily in reports about a new flooding map produced as part of peer reviewed research by the Climate Central organisation. Their work showed a number of sites threatened by flooding before 2050, causing by the unfolding climate crisis. Most reports at the time concentrated on human impact – understandable given that everywhere from most of Clydebank and Dumbarton to Partick and Govan, as well as a large part of Glasgow Airport, could be underwater. But the rising tide is a huge threat to our existing wetlands . Changes in tide levels can make fantastic habitats, like the mudflats along the Clyde, uninhabitable. “
And in praising the RSPB’s Loch Lomond site:
“The winter population here includes 2% of the world’s Greenland white-fronted geese and a beaver has recently been spotted in the area. The RSPB organise some brilliant events such as guided walks and school visits to this amazing habitat, which I’d encourage everyone locally to experience for themselves. I’ve spoken in Parliament quite a few times about the Save Loch Lomond campaign, who have….. often talked about the need for a plan to showcase the natural beauty of Loch Lomond and help visitors and tourists enjoy the nature and landscape without destroying it. Just 5 miles from Balloch, there’s an example of exactly that at the mouth of the River Endrick.”
After the debate, Ross commented:
“It’s really important that we were able to give parliamentary time to this discussion. The climate crisis is threatening internationally important species right here on the Clyde and there are serious questions over whether wetlands with international designation are properly protected by Scottish and UK law – as they should be. Between the climate emergency and the constant threats from property developers, our most important habitats and species need protected now more than ever.”