SUSTAINABILITY AND RESPONSIBLE ENGAGEMENT DURING SCOTLAND'S YEAR OF COASTS AND WATERS
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SUSTAINABILITY AND
RESPONSIBLE
ENGAGEMENT DURING
SCOTLAND’S YEAR OF
COASTS AND WATERS
2020
The Year of Coasts and Waters 2020 (YCW2020)
celebrates and shines a spotlight on Scotland’s beautiful
natural environment with a focus on unique, authentic
experiences and sustainable tourism. Responsible
engagement is a key factor to the success of YCW2020.
With a wealth of information out there, here are some of
the organisations, along with some of the best practices
to follow, to use as a resource when planning activity in
relation to YCW2020 and beyond.
All images - VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Find out more at visitscotland.com/ycw2020
ORGANISATIONS,
ADVICE & RESOURCES
Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) Wild Scotland – Best Practice RSPB Scotland RNLI - Royal National Lifeboat
Nature and landscapes are vital assets.
Guidelines for Watching Wildlife Institution
The RSPB is the country’s largest
SNH promote and care for the natural Wild Scotland is the Scottish Wildlife and nature conservation charity, inspiring RNLI volunteer lifeboat crews provide
heritage, enable people to enjoy the out- Adventure Tourism Operators Association. everyone to give nature a home and a 24-hour rescue service in the UK and
doors and support those who manage it. They represent nature-based tourism secure a healthy environment for Ireland, and seasonal lifeguards look
companies across Scotland, all of whom wildlife. Initiatives include: after people on busy beaches.
Part of the work that they do is to promote
care and respect Scotland’s wildlife and
responsible engagement with our wildlife.
nature. These guidelines offer best prac- • Diverse network of 77 nature reserves RNLI crews and lifeguards have saved
In order to do this SNH have created a
tice to tourism companies who encounter providing vital havens for a huge range over 142,200 lives since 1824 but they
Marine Wildlife Watching Code Part 1 &
wildlife (either intentionally or incidentally) of species, and special spaces for us are more than just a rescue service.
Part 2.
during their trips. all to get closer to nature – including They influence, supervise and educate
The Code aims to: spectacular seabird cities. people too. Their Community Safety
These guidelines aim to help operators
• Give Nature a Home. and Youth Education teams explain
• Help minimise disturbance to marine deliver an enjoyable and memorable wild-
• Pufferazzi – citizen science project risks and share safety knowledge with
wildlife. life-watching experience whilst minimising
asking members of the public to anyone spending time on or near water
• Help you to enjoy watching marine the impact on the animals themselves.
photograph puffins with fish in their and their international teams work with
wildlife.
Wild Scotland have also created a handy beaks to determine health of the like-minded organisations to help tackle
• Improve your chances of seeing
guide for marketing wildlife to tourists puffins and the seas. drowning in communities at risk all
wildlife.
which can be found here. • Nature of Scotland Awards – around the world.
• Provide a standard for the wildlife
previous winners include The Great
watching industry. For more information visit www.rnli.org/
Nurdle Hunt.
• Help you to stay within the law. safety or www.rnli.org/youth-education/
• Outdoor learning and schools
outreach – RSPB are working in education-resources for info on how to
Bottle nose Dolphins / Neil McIntyre
The Code isn’t a law or a regulation. Its partnership with Aldi to connect teach young people to be safe in or near
main purpose is to raise awareness and young people with the natural world. water.
offer practical guidance for responsible They have been working with schools
marine wildlife watching. to get children out on to nature
reserves. Funding for this came
through Aldi and their carrier bag
charge.
Find out more at visitscotland.com/ycw2020 Join the conversation #YCW2020
Keep Scotland Beautiful (KBS) Scottish Wildlife Trust Marine Conservation Society
Keep Scotland Beautiful is the charity Scottish Wildlife Trust’s vision is for a The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) is
that campaigns, acts and educates on a connected network of healthy, resilient the UK’s leading charity for the protection
Wild About Argyll / Keiran Duncan
range of local, national and global issues to ecosystems supporting Scotland’s wildlife of our seas, shores and wildlife. For over
change behaviour and improve the qual- and people. thirty years MCS has been the voice for
ity of people’s lives and the places they the sea for all the fascinating creatures
care for. Keep Scotland Beautiful tackle This vision will be achieved through: that live beneath the waves, for our
a wide range of environmental issues, breath-taking coastal environment, for
• Championing the ecological, moral,
from reducing the amount of litter on our all those who make a sustainable living
social and economic reasons to
streets to cutting the carbon emissions from the sea and for everyone who simply
protect and restore nature.
that threaten our planet. Scottish Environment LINK enjoys visiting the beach and our glorious
• Demonstrating best practice in
Campaigns and activities related to the A network of environmental charities who practical conservation and the coastline.
YCW2020 delivered by Keep Scotland undertake campaigning and work closely creation of Living Landscapes and
Beautiful include: with experts on environmental matters. Zero Waste Scotland
Living Seas.
Scottish Environment LINK is the forum for • Inspiring people to experience, learn Zero Waste Scotland works in resource
• Clean Up Scotland
Scotland’s voluntary environment about and care for wildlife and wild efficiency and the circular economy to
• Spring Clean organisations, with over 35 member places. create a society where resources are
bodies representing a range of valued and nothing is wasted. To that
• Upstream Battle
environmental interests with the common Find out what practical steps they are end we would like people to value their
• My Beach, Your Beach goal of contributing to a more environmen- taking to realise this vision in their Five- resources – not simply disposing of what
• Beach Awards tally sustainable society. Year Plan: 2017-2022. would be waste to landfill. If people can
• 2 Minute Clean Up Marine Planning Partnership reduce and re-use their waste, this will
have a positive impact on the amount of
• Clean Up Heroes Regional marine planning is undertaken litter around Scotland. Some of our work
by Marine Planning Partnerships, which which impacts on this area includes;
are made up of marine stakeholders who
reflect marine interests in their region. The • Deposit Return Scheme
partnerships will vary in size and compo- • Litter Knowledge Network
sition depending on the area, issues to be • Support for community groups
dealt with and the existing groups. Local • Recycle for Scotland
Authorities, Inshore Fisheries Groups, Lo-
cal Coastal Partnerships and their umbrella Businesses can save 24% on energy
body, the Scottish Coastal Forum, will play bills
a role in the development of regional plans.
With free support from Resource Efficient
The two Marine Planning Partnerships are
Scotland, a programme of Zero Waste
the Clyde Marine Planning Partnership and
Scotland we typically reduce energy bills
Shetland Islands Regional Marine Planning
by nearly a quarter. Dedicated advisors
Partnership.
Find out more at visitscotland.com/ycw2020 Join the conversation #YCW2020
dolphins and porpoises in the waters of ending up in new forests. Here, they can
western Scotland for over two decades. spread rapidly in environments with no
natural resilience.
Their research has critically advanced
the understanding of species that Forest and Land Scotland Keep it Clean
visit seasonally or are resident in campaign helps to tackle these issues with
the Hebrides. Data is provided to tips on how you can help stop the spread of
the Scottish Government to inform these harmful pests and diseases.
protection measures for minke whales,
Risso’s dolphins, harbour porpoises, and Water Safety Scotland
horse riding or kayaking, this is the place
basking sharks across Hebridean seas. Water Safety Scotland’s main purpose to find out about your access rights and
is to understand the risks around water responsibilities.
Surfers against Sewage
in Scotland and engage with partners to
work with small and medium businesses to develop a consistent approach to the Leave No Trace – Centre of Outdoor
Surfers against Sewage is a grassroots
cut energy, waste and water and operate prevention of water related fatalities. Ethics – 7 Principles
movement tackling plastic pollution and
more resource efficiently. Opportunity protecting the UK’s coastlines for all to The Leave No Trace - Seven Principles
assessments and resulting reports The WiSe Scheme
enjoy safely and sustainably. are the bedrock of the Leave No Trace
help you plan, fund and implement your The UK’s national training scheme for program. They provide guidance to enjoy
resource efficiency improvements with Forest and Land Scotland Keep it
minimising disturbance to marine wildlife. our natural world in a sustainable way
confidence. So, whether you wish to Clean campaign
that avoids human-created impacts. The
reduce your energy use or, like so many The waters around the UK are home to principles have been adapted so they
Our forests are at risk from tree pests
other tourism businesses are looking a fantastic variety of marine wildlife, can be applied in your back garden or out
and diseases. These can dramatically
to prevent food waste and cut down on whether visible from the shore or from in the countryside.
affect the health of our trees, upsetting
packaging, call 0808 808 2268 today and a boat. However, these wild animals
the delicate ecosystem balance and
join over 3,000 businesses we’ve already are vulnerable to disturbance if not Water Safety Code
devastating large areas of woodland.
supported coast to coast to grow greener encountered in a manner that respects
their wild nature. Safety is a serious issue and we should
businesses. Pests and diseases hitch a ride in mud
all be aware of the dangers of being on
and debris on shoes, paws and tyres,
Resource Efficient Scotland also offer The WiSe Scheme is about watching and near water, and learn ways to stay
advice and guidance on how to plan and marine wildlife the wildlife-safe way. safe. Scottish Water offer the following
deliver environmentally sustainable advice through their Water Safety Code.
So look out for the WiSe logo when
events.
choosing a wildlife watching experience The Green Blue
Hebridean Whale & Dolphin Trust in Scotland’s wonderful waters.
The Green Blue is a joint Initiative between
(HWDT) Scottish Outdoor Access Code the RYA and British Marine which provides
Based on the Isle of Mull, in the heart of advice and information for water sports
Scottish access rights apply to most participants and marine businesses
the Hebrides, HWDT has been leading land and inland water. Whether you’re
the way for the conservation of whales, promoting the aim of working towards a
enjoying fresh air in a local park, walking sustainable boating community, which
the dog, hillwalking, mountain biking,
Find out more at visitscotland.com/ycw2020 Join the conversation #YCW2020
in turn aims to help to save money, avoid our native wildlife, our economy and in Take Three for the Sea
legislation and to safeguard the waters some cases directly to our health. By
and habitats for the future. working at a local level with volunteers Take 3 pieces of rubbish with you when you
and communities, and by trialling innova- leave the beach, waterway or... anywhere
Sustainable Tourism – VisitScotland tive management techniques, we aim to and you have made a difference.
A sustainable approach to tourism put in place sustainable long-term solu-
tions to invasive species management. Paws on Plastic
growth is the only way to ensure long-
term success of tourism in Scotland. Paws on Plastic encourage dog walkers
Visitors benefit from a sustainable
approach to tourism through better links
WHAT CAN to pick up 2 pieces of plastic while out
walking their beloved hounds. Simply
with local communities, a high-quality
tourism experience and a natural and
built environment that is cared for.
before using elsewhere as some invasive
plants and animals can survive for over
YOU DO? pick items up and take them home
and empty into the recycling bin. Post
two weeks in damp conditions. There are many things that we can all a lovely photo of your dog to their
Becoming more sustainable can give Green Tourism Business Scheme do to promote our stunning coasts and Facebook page to celebrate everyone’s
businesses a competitive edge by waters responsibly. Here are a couple efforts & spread the word!
generating greater community support Green Tourism promotes greener ways for
businesses and organisations to operate, of practical things you can do to help to Scrapbook Project
for tourism, achieving cost savings and
by offering their members advice on: keep Scotland a beautiful place to visit.
creating new marketing opportunities.
Their vision is to target coastal litter by
• Reducing energy use These are just a couple of examples of taking action to map and monitor litter
Check, Clean, Dry - Non Native
• Saving water organisation you can get involved with to
Species on Scotland’s coast. Aerial photography
• Efficient & eco-friendly waste do your bit to get on board with responsible allows them to find hidden litter on
Invasive plants and animals from all over disposal engagement during YCW2020.
the world have been introduced acciden- our rugged coasts. Their volunteer
• Ethical buying
tally to British waters. Over fifty different • Staying local & seasonal #2minbeachclean programme encourage people to pitch in
freshwater species have already been • Minimising food miles to help them to help our coasts.
found in our lakes, rivers and other water- • Promoting biodiversity A growing family of beach lovers rolling
ways, and the numbers of new arrivals is • Adopting a smart, sustainable outlook up their sleeves to help rid the world’s
increasing rapidly. from top to bottom beaches of marine litter and plastic
pollution, two minutes at a time.
Check your equipment, boat, and clothing
after leaving the water for mud, aquatic Scottish Invasive Species Initiative
Every piece of litter removed from the
animals or plant material. Remove anything The Scottish Invasive Species Initiative beach matters. So it doesn’t matter
you find and leave it at the site. (SISI) is an ambitious 4-year partnership if you do 2 minutes or thirty. Each and
Clean everything thoroughly as soon as project set up to tackle invasive non-
every piece of marine plastic removed
you can, paying attention to areas that are native species alongside rivers and
from the beach is a piece that will no
damp or hard to access. Use hot water if watercourses in northern Scotland.
longer go on to pollute our seas.
possible. Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) are a
Dry everything for as long as you can significant threat to our countryside,
Find out more at visitscotland.com/ycw2020 Join the conversation #YCW2020
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