There are many reasons why #NatureMatters. In this blog, we hear why it is so key nature is protected for future generations.
“It does worry me that much of the wildlife we see today might not be here for my grandchildren to see.”
Carol from Irvine sent us that comment as part of our appeal for your stories about why #NatureMatters.
The need to protect and restore Scotland’s wildlife and its habitats, for the benefit of future generations, is a common theme throughout the stories we received.
And the worry that Carol and others have is real.
The most recent State of Nature report pointed out how sharply Scotland’s nature is in decline:
In another story submission, from Heike in Shetland, the connection between nature and the quality of life for our children and grandchildren was made clear:
“It is not only important to improve protection for nature, it is the only chance we have to leave a better legacy to the generations to follow us and enable them to live a life worth living. When nature and her creatures suffer and perish, the human species is bound to do the same.”
As Elizabeth from Rutherglen pointed out, we are not helpless in the face of this loss, but we need decision-makers to act:
“Without carefully managed plans and actions to restore biodiversity through re-establishment of significant areas of nature corridors we will continue to see declining numbers across species and many more at risk of extinction. Politicians by improving protections for nature will show commitment to far sighted planning for a future fit for future generations.”
As we urge the Scottish Government to bring forward a Natural Environment Bill to set targets for saving species and restoring habitats, Allan in Dunfermline underlines why putting such goals into law would show we have taken the situation seriously:
“I want my children and grand-children and their children to have the opportunity to enjoy such a vivid experience of watching the Ospreys fishing along the River Spey and at the river mouth. Just walk along the track through the Abernethy forest from Loch Garten to Loch Mallachie and you will know why nature matters. It would be a crime not to preserve such ancient beauty.”
Osprey by Ben Andrew.
Claire in Argyll, a big fan of Pine Martens, agrees:
“We need these new laws, so that younger generations can have wonderful memories of their own and not have to rely on the artificial ones to find out about these beautiful creatures, and the other amazing wildlife, that we are blessed to have here in Scotland.”
Pine Marten by Paul Turner.
The benefits to future generations from a flourishing natural environment were spelled out in this anonymous submission:
“As a grandmother, I have been fortunate to see a lot of nature in its natural environment. I would like my grandchildren and their generation to experience the same joy. Nature doesn't just provide joy. It provides mental wellbeing, clean air to breathe, pride in our country as an environmentally progressive place to live and visit and a vibrant tourist economy.”
And if we return to Carol in Irvine, who we heard from at the start, worried about her grandchildren’s future, we hear a message for politicians who are under pressure to act on a range of emergencies, from health and housing to nature and climate:
“We need to be more sympathetic as to where we are building housing and try and protect as much of the natural landscape as possible.”
In a political environment of competing priorities, the message coming across from RSPB Scotland supporters loud and clear is that #NatureMatters as much, if not more, than everything else. If we sideline it, we risk depriving future generations of something fundamental.
Main image: Loch Garten by Sam Turley