EDINBURGH, Scotland, Dec. 7 (UPI) -- The Scottish government has more than $49 million set aside for forestry projects that will help protect the country's biodiversity, the environment secretary said.
Scottish Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said the government approved a plan to protect forests and wildlife as part of a broad-reaching rural plan.
"Almost $49.3 million in European Union and Scottish government funding has now been plowed into Scotland's rural areas through rural priorities, safeguarding and creating thousands of jobs," he said in a statement.
He said the latest tranche of funding targets forestry projects in Scotland that will help the country meet its climate change targets and project its unique biodiversity and landscape.
Lochhead said last week that his country was "experiencing a new energy revolution" as offshore wind and tidal energy projects are "generating revenue and offering huge potential."
He said Edinburgh was examining fundamental reforms that would make the government more accountable on offshore energy projects.
His country could lead the way in sustainable energy production, he said in a statement, and build not only a reputation as a conventional energy hub but also as a prime host for green energy developments.
