Park Talk: Ensuring we have a well-being economy
Park Talk: Ensuring we have a well-being economy
By CNPA Board Member, Janet Hunter
I’m sure readers will have heard the term “well-being economy” but what does it actually mean?
Basically, a wellbeing economy recognises that we need to restore a harmonious relationship between society and nature, in order to enjoy a fair distribution of resources, and live in healthy and resilient communities.
This is exactly our vision for the Cairngorms National Park – a place where people and nature can thrive together and it is at the heart of the next Cairngorms National Park Partnership Plan, which the board of the CNPA approved last month.
A well-being economy is at the very core of the National Lottery funded ‘Heritage Horizons: Cairngorms 2030’ programme, which aims to deliver transformational change here, benefitting people’s health and wellbeing, delivering on climate change and enhancing nature across the National Park. The programme – made up of 24 individual projects – is on a larger scale than anything previously attempted and aims to inspire communities to take action and make a difference.
Just to be clear, a wellbeing economy is not anti-growth. It is quite the opposite but our economic growth should be sustainable and always be mindful of our precious resources. It should also be fair to all.
We will continue, for example, to need houses and infrastructure but these things should be delivered in a way that does not harm our natural environment and that enhances the experience of residents and visitors.
Talking of visitors – when the Cairngorms National Park was established in 2003, visitor numbers were in the region of 1.4 million annually. By 2019, that number had grown to 2 million. Increasing numbers of visitors is certainly a boost for the local economy. However, we must ensure that the people and infrastructure are in place to enable visitors to enjoy a holiday that contributes to the Park’s efforts to tackle climate change and the biodiversity crisis. So we need a good network of paths for walking and cycling with e-charging points as well as the ‘boots on the ground’ to help advise people on how to ‘tread lightly’ in the Park.
Our National Park status does attract more visitors but being a national park also attracts funding that can help support our long term vision of being a place where people and nature thrive together. For example, funding awards from the National Lottery, which we have successfully bid for on multiple occasions – the Cairngorms Capercaillie Project, the Badenoch Great Place Scheme, along with the Tomintoul and Glenlivet Landscape Partnership.
And now Heritage Horizons, which is still in the development phase but which could see up to £12.5million coming to the Park.
So being a National Park is good news for the economy and we have the ambitions and ideas for the future to make sure it’s a wellbeing economy.
Alert
Latest from the National Park
Ongoing wildfire near Ryvoan Bothy
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and partners are currently in attendance at a large fire south of Aviemore.
Historic bridge in Nethy replaced after years of community effort
New bridge over Allt Mòr Burn officially opens
Endangered ant queen found in Royal Deeside
An exciting discovery in Royal Deeside is being hailed as a milestone in the recovery of a critically endangered species.
Relevant alerts
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Update - 21:55
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service have shared that emergency services continue to tackle a large-scale wildfire covering more than two kilometres in width near to Glenmore.
A number of homes and businesses, including campsites and ski resorts within the Glenmore Forest Park area, have been closed and evacuated as a safety precaution due to the close proximity to the incident.
As of 9pm on Wednesday night (15 July), Scottish Fire and Rescue Service currently has six fire appliances, a wildfire unit, specialist resources and tactical commanders mobilised to the scene after the alarm was raised just before 12 noon earlier today.
Firefighters are working with landowners to contain the incident and create fire breaks, with high winds causing the fire to spread across areas of trees and woodland. There are no reported casualties.
Road closures continue to be in place to support the emergency response, and people are asked to avoid the area within Glenmore Forest Park and Loch Morlich on Thursday, 16 July as this incident continues.
We will share updates as the situation develops. In the meantime, our thanks go out to the emergency services, gamekeepers, NGO and estate staff and many others from across the community who are working non-stop to get these fires under control, and providing support to those affected.
Update - 20:06
Emergency services and partners are continuing to respond to this wildfire. A number of properties and premises in the area have been evacuated as a precaution. The Ski Road is currently closed. Anyone walking in the Cairngorms should avoid the area and let family or friends know when they have returned.
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The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and partners are currently in attendance at a large fire in the open near to Ryvoan Bothy within the Cairngorms National Park.
Due to large volumes of smoke travelling towards populated areas nearby, residents in Aviemore, Glenmore and the surrounding communities should keep their windows and doors closed. If you are within this area and can see or smell smoke, please follow the same advice. If you are aware of someone hiking in the area, please ask them to get themselves safely off the hill as soon as possible.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has asked that people avoid the Glenmore and Aviemore area, and remain vigilant. Our thanks go to all those engaged in active firefighting - we will post further updates when we have them.
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Very high fire risk - 15 to 20 July
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has issued a very high wildfire warning impacting areas of the National Park on Wednesday 15 until Monday 20 July. If you are out and about in the Cairngorms National Park please observe the following guidance:
- Do not light any fire or barbecue, in line with the new fire byelaw
- Always ensure cigarettes are fully extinguished and take your litter (including glass) away with you
- Enjoy the outdoors responsibly - most wildfires are caused by human activity
- Stay alert - with dry vegetation and warm weather, fires can start easily, spread rapidly, and burn intensely
- If you see a wildfire, dial 999
For further updates on wildfire risk across Scotland, visit the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service website. To find out more about the fire byelaw, and to see your questions answered, visit our fire byelaw page here.