Formal Board Paper 1 - CEO Report and Convener update

This document contains an update on the Cairngorms National Park Authority's recent work, highlighting significant progress in nature and climate action. This includes restoring over one thousand six hundred hectares of peatland, making good headway on the Capercaillie Emergency Plan with twenty-seven partners, and reintroducing beavers, although there are concerns about the fifty-six percent decline in peregrine falcon numbers since 2002. The Park Authority has also been busy with planning and place initiatives, such as making paths more accessible, restructuring the ranger service in preparation for a new fire byelaw, and engaging communities through a new Local Development Plan and the C2030 Communities Fund. Communications efforts include a 'no flame, no spark' fire byelaw campaign, and the organisation is pleased with positive staff engagement survey results and its focus on wellbeing. The Convener has actively engaged with businesses, contributed to river resilience efforts, and collaborated with other National Parks and the Scottish Government on key strategic priorities.