Safeguarding Scotland’s Water Environment

This document contains the Cairngorms National Park Authority's response to the Safeguarding Scotland's Water Environment Consultation. The Park Authority highlights that Scotland's water environment is under increasing pressure from climate change impacts, water scarcity, loss of wildlife, and pollution, which are already affecting the Cairngorms National Park. They see the National Park as crucial for delivering the Scottish Government's environmental aims with a coordinated, local approach. The Park Authority's National Park Partnership Plan, which focuses on managing entire river systems for wildlife, climate resilience, and economic benefits, aligns with the priorities of the fourth River Basin Management Plan. They want the next River Basin Management Plan to strongly emphasize local, river-area solutions, updated ways to handle water scarcity, water supporting economic growth, and protecting key species like Atlantic salmon and freshwater pearl mussels. They also advocate for using nature restoration and green infrastructure, such as planting trees or creating wetlands, to adapt to climate change and aid nature's recovery, alongside securing long-term funding for large-scale environmental improvements.