	INTRODUCING
	THE CROMARTY FIRTH LIAISON GROUP

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The dawning of a new partnership over the Cromarty Firth
The Cromarty Firth Liaison Group (CFLG) was established to improve
the management of this important yet fragile environment. The emphasis being placed on co-ordinated thinking and local action is representative of a new partnership approach to coastal conservation and management.

The Cromarty Firth area has long been acclaimed for both its excellent harbour and its superb natural environment. Indeed, the Cromarty Firth was recently recognised as a Special Protection Area of international importance because of the many species of birds found here – not least the 20,000 or so waterfowl which include nationally important populations of curlew, pintail and redshank, and internationally significant wintering populations of wigeon and greylag geese. In addition, the Cromarty Firth also provides foraging grounds for a number of breeding osprey.

Against this background, the Cromarty Firth Liaison Group now provides a forum for discussing those issues affecting the future of the Firth. It also encourages local people and organisations to be more aware of how their actions affect the coastal environment and to adopt practises that minimise any adverse impacts.

The Group was created in 1992; the same year that the Government indicated its support for the development of multi-agency management plans designed to improve the protection of coastlines. Although it does not have powers of its own, the Group brings together a wide range of public and private sector organisations as partners.

In 1998, the Group published a Management Strategy and Action Plan. This set out a vision for the future of the Cromarty Firth including a set of four strategic objectives for the maintenance and enhancement of its natural, economic and cultural resources. This plan was the first of its kind in Scotland, and is now in its implementation phase.

Funding for the Group comes from the European Union Objective One programme, Talisman Energy (UK) Limited and the other major partners. Furthermore, the Cromarty Firth is also part of the wider Moray Firth, which is now the subject of a co-ordinated management plan through the Moray Firth Partnership. The Cromarty Firth Liaison Group works closely with the Moray Firth Partnership to realise its aims for the future of the Cromarty Firth.

Should you wish any further information on the Cromarty Firth Liaison Group please contact Frances Boynton at the address below.

Frances Boynton
Cromarty Firth Liaison Group
62 High Street
Invergordon
IV18 0DH