Cairngorms

Cairngorms

1. problems/challenges:

   • fragile local economy
     • local economy based on fragile sectors with low wages
       • e.g. forestry, farming, hunting, wild game
       • people living in the park have less money to spend on housing, energy and transport, negative multiplier effect
     • tourism is disproportionate in terms of value and employment
       • 1.4 million people visit per year
     • 20% of the park's working pop. commute for work, 15% of the park's workers commute from elsewhere
   • population
     • population growth from 15,500 in 2003 to 17,000 in 2012
     • younger generations move away to urban areas: decreases diversity of skills and workers
     • migration of people has slowed down ageing population
       • however, there is less inward migration in other areas due to lack of housing and job opportunities
         • led to increase in ageing population

2. 4 main aims:

   • 1) conserve and enhance natural and cultural heritage
     • conserve the park's diverse forests, farmland, mountains, etc.
     • record and safeguard the archaeological evidence of previous generations for visitors
     • recognise cultures and traditions associated with the park to secure the future's cultural heritage
   • 2) promote sustainable use of natural resources
     • conserve and enhance the areas that produce high quality food, timber and wood-fuel
       • helps mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change
     • enhance the wildness as a special quality for visitors
       • the importance of natural systems will be better understood and managed to maintain healthy ecosystems
   • 3) promote understanding and enjoyment of qualities available to public
     • make the park a significant learning resource for school onwards: about special qualities, sustainability and management
     • promote sustainable tourism management, specifically the promotion of the park as a visitor destination, high quality facilities and visitor pressures on heritage.
       • implementing and reviewing strategies for sustainable tourism
   • 4) promote sustainable economic and social development of area
     • grow the economy of the park by:
       • supporting diversity of businesses
       • broadening the economic base into other sectors (e.g. renewable energy)
       • supporting the use of land for small business
       • provide more housing to meet demand
     • fast and reliable IT and telecommunications, fast and safe transport links, wider range of employment opportunities
       • attract workers and younger populations with diverse skills and interests
   • achieve from 2012-2017