EU Legislation, Initiatives, etc.
ScotGov: Minister for Public Health Shona Robison has endorsed a 10-point plan for the future of tobacco control in Europe. Closing an international smoke-free conference in Edinburgh, Ms Robison gave her backing to a statement produced by public health experts & researchers on how Europe can continue to reduce smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke in years to come.
The 'Edinburgh Statement' will now be presented to the European Parliament for consideration for future no-smoking policies across the EU. Some of the main points in the statement are:
* That all 196 countries who have signed up to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control are urged to implement comprehensive smoke free legislation within five years
* The European Commission is invited to produce a proposal on how legislative safeguards against second hand smoke can be promoted in EU countries that have not introduced smokefree laws
* Governments are urged to act on their responsibility to protect & discourage children and young people from starting to smoke
This is the first international treaty relating to health. To date, 196 countries have signed up to it.
Press release ~ Framework Convention on Tobacco Control ~ Towards a smokefree society 2007 - Edinburgh ~ Clearing the Air Scotland
ScotGov: Ullapool last weekend hosted the seventh European Geopark Network Conference on 'Landscapes and People: Earth Heritage, Culture and Economy'. The conference focused on the role of Geoparks in Scotland and across Europe and aims to encourage businesses, communities and young people to get involved in geopark activities and developments.
Scotland has two geoparks in Lochaber and North West Highlands:
* The North West Highland Geopark was the first to be designated in Scotland in November 2004 and the scenery includes mountains in Assynt such as Ben More, Suilven and Stac Pollaidh.
* Lochaber, an area of Scotland with an ancient and unique rock record, celebrated the accolade of being chosen as Europe's newest Geopark in June 2007.
