A CONSULTATION is underway on a new framework which has identified a series of land use changes in the South of Scotland that can help address the climate and biodiversity crises.
The draft Regional Land Use Framework sets out a concise vision and objectives for sustainable land use across the South.
These include more efficient and environmentally friendly food production that helps restore nature, creating more native and commercial woodland, peatland restoration and renewable energy generation.
The framework has been shaped by a series of consultation events with local people, including 30 sessions between September 2022 and March 2023, with over 500 individuals participating.
The consultation provides an opportunity to feedback on the Framework, through an online survey which runs until February 23.
There will also be consultation events in Dumfries Baptist Church on Tuesday evening, December 12; and in Newton Stewart’s Vaults Arts Centre on January 22.
The draft Regional Land Use Framework has been created as part of the South of Scotland Regional Land Use Partnership (RLUP) pilot, delivered through Dumfries and Galloway Council, Scottish Borders Counciland South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE), and overseen by the Regional Economic Partnership.
It’s one of five pilot RLUPs chosen by the Scottish Government and has been informed by the input from many stakeholders across the region, working together to find ways to optimise land use in a fair and inclusive way.
This sets out how local and national objectives can be met, support the target of Scotland becoming Net Zero by 2045 and to help address biodiversity loss through nature recovery.
Professor Russel Griggs, chair of SOSE, said: “The draft Regional Land Use Framework considers new approaches to the way we use and manage our land in the South to address the climate and biodiversity crises.
“We have gathered the views of a great number of local people – representing a broad range of interests in land use – to provide a clear voice for the South. I would encourage local people to again provide their feedback.”
Councillor Ian Carruthers added: “This is an important piece of work and to inform our decisions we need our citizens and communities to provide us with their knowledge to enable us to take this forward and ensure local voices are heard.”
To sign up to an event or provide feedback to the online consultation, visit sosrep.dumgal.gov.uk/whats-happening
