MSPs have been urged to back calls for the Scottish government to take action to tackle the decline of biodiversity north of the border.

In Holyrood today the Scottish Greens led a debate on the “Declaration of a Nature Emergency,” with a motion outlining measures designed to slow ecological damage. 

Representatives from the SNP government, as well as the Tories and Labour, have also submitted amendments, with the Greens seeking to highlight their grave concerns over “the catastrophic collapse in biodiversity globally and in Scotland.”

The move would see Scotland become the first country to formally recognise the decline in species and that urgent action is needed to address it.

Separate alterations made to the motion by Labour MSP Claudia Beamish and the Tories would have seen a nature emergency declared, while the SNP sought to remove this language in its amendment. 

Speaking ahead of the debate, Green MSP Mark Ruskell said this would be “just the first step in reversing the alarming decline in Scotland’s nature.”

He added: “The next steps must involve halting the decline in species and building a network at land and sea to allow nature to recover.

“Scotland has a golden opportunity to take a leading role in halting biodiversity loss, but taking action can also stimulate a green economic recovery with targeted rural support and new jobs.”

Nearly 8,000 signed a petition online backing the move in three days, with environmental charities throwing their weight behind the campaign. 

WWF Scotland, RSPB Scotland and Scottish Environment LINK have also urged MSPs to back it, with one in nine species north of the border at threat of extinction. 

Voting is due to take place after the Star goes to press.