ASVA E-ZINE

Welcome to the May 2024 edition of the ASVA E-Zine

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The Search is on for Scotland’s Nature Tourism Champions

April 2024

Whether you are a pioneering business or a collaborative partnership, this is your moment to be celebrated. With headline sponsor NatureScot, RSPB are recognising the people and initiatives protecting Scotland’s nature – open to all.

Entry is FREE, so whether you are part of a brilliant team or a lone ranger, share your achievements with RSPB or nominate a fellow nature champion for an award.

Any work conducted since March 2021 is eligible to take part. There are 10 categories to choose from, including the Nature Tourism Award which is sponsored by VisitScotland.

Tourism provides an opportunity to discover the awe-inspiring beauty of nature and to experience unforgettable encounters with wildlife. The Nature Tourism Award seeks to recognise tourism businesses and initiatives that are making a positive difference for nature. Whatever the size of your business, they want to hear from you if you are a champion of responsible tourism, if you are supporting Scotland develop as a sustainable destination and have implemented nature-based solutions that protect, restore or create thriving natural habitats.

Tourism businesses can make a significant positive impact for our climate and environment. In 2023, our Business for Nature Award was won by tourism operator, Orcadian Wildlife, for their 20 years of sharing Orkney’s amazing wildlife. Having previously won a Gold Award from Green Business for its environmental achievements and philosophy, Orcadian Wildlife collaborated with local conservationists and community partners, investing in renewable technology and an electric vehicle. Orcadian Wildlife have also proactively offset their carbon emissions; they have created a wildflower meadow at their headquarters, and together with the local community, they have planted 4,000 native broadleaf trees. Conservation monitoring has shown that the new habitat has been used by a wide range of species including the globally threatened Curlew, raptors like Hen Harriers and the rare Great Yellow Bumblebee.

Anne McCall, Director of RSPB Scotland, and chair of the judging panel warmly invites you to apply for an award: “It is heartening to hear how people, projects and organisations across Scotland are working determinedly to save nature from the many threats it faces. These awards are a celebration of amazing achievements. Help us recognise our conservation champions by applying or nominating someone today.”

Francesca Osowska, NatureScot Chief Executive, said: “We’re thrilled to play a part in the Nature of Scotland Awards, acknowledging the many people working hard across our beautiful country to save Scotland’s nature – and the planet’s climate – for future generations. I can’t wait to hear about the creative and inspiring work undertaken by this year’s entrants.”

The shortlist will be revealed at the Scottish Parliament on 24 September and the awards ceremony will take place on 28 November at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre.

Submit your application on the RSPB website.

Photograph: Nature of Scot Awards Open for entries

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