Cairngorms National Park Partnership Plan 2022-27 - Other - Page 6
National Park aims
The Cairngorms is the UK’s largest national park at 4,528 sq km (6% of Scotland’s land mass) and is
home to one quarter of the UK’s rare and endangered species. Around 18,000 people live in the National
Park across the areas of Aberdeenshire, Angus, Highland, Moray, Perth and Kinross, with two million
visitors enjoying this special place every year.
The National Park has four distinct aims as set out by Parliament:
To conserve and enhance the natural and cultural
heritage of the area.
To promote sustainable use of the natural
resources of the area.
To promote understanding and enjoyment (including enjoyment in the
form of recreation) of the special qualities of the area by the public.
To promote sustainable economic and social development of
the area’s communities.
These aims are to be pursued collectively. However, if there is conflict between the first aim and any
of the others, greater weight is given to the first aim (as set out in Section 9.6 of the National Parks
(Scotland) Act 2000). This helps ensure conservation of the natural and cultural heritage underpins the
economic, social and recreation value of the Cairngorms National Park. The Partnership Plan embeds
this approach in the strategy for the National Park that is approved by Ministers and sets the framework
for all public bodies that work within the Cairngorms, from organisations like NatureScot and the
five local authorities to Transport Scotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Skills Development
Scotland. The plan is also supported and delivered by a range of private and voluntary organisations.
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