Round-the-world cycling record holder and investment partner, Mark Beaumont has today been announced as an ambassador for the Central Scotland Green Network (CSGN), one of Europe’s most ambitious environmental programmes.
This announcement comes days after the Scottish Government published its Natural Environment Bill, which will place a duty on the government to set legally binding targets for nature restoration. The CSGN, delivered by Green Action Trust, plays a crucial role in increasing climate resilience and biodiversity enhancement whilst also working to tackle environmental inequality.
The Network covers an area of 10,000 square kilometers, including 19 of Scotland’s 32 local authorities and 87% of the country’s most deprived areas. Embedded into the Scottish Government’s National Planning Framework, it is a vital force driving forward Scotland’s transition to net zero, and will be key to delivering on national targets for nature recovery.
Mark joins the CSGN as work begins on one of its largest projects to date. More than £3m funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Levenmouth Reconnect Programme gave the greenlight last month to plans for a 4km, nature-rich and accessible park in Levenmouth, Fife that will contribute to the regeneration of the River Leven valley.
Alongside his success as an endurance athlete and broadcaster, Mark has years of experience in investing and works to support innovators to combat environmental and societal challenges. He brings this business expertise to his partnership with the CSGN, which will focus on strategic promotion of the Network’s programme of work, as well as unlocking new funding streams to solve the biggest issues facing the environmental wellbeing of central Scotland.
Mark Beaumont said: “I am delighted to support the Green Action Trust and their amazing work on the Central Scotland Green Network, making sure that we have landscapes that promote climate resilience and biodiversity, whilst also helping people of all ages stay active. I may be known for cycling around the world, but I live and work in central Scotland and have always been passionate about the vibrancy of the community which I am a part of.
Perhaps it is my farming roots that took me into the great outdoors as a child, but we all have an important relationship with the landscapes that surround us. I look forward to supporting the CSGN in its work to increase access to nature, whilst creating environments that are better places to live and work.”
Tom Campbell, Green Action Trust Chief Executive said: “Mark shares our vision of a world where the environment delivers for both people and the economy, and we’re delighted to have him on board.
As we look to increase our impact, create more projects and demonstrate the socio-environmental changes that are possible through partnerships, Mark’s experience will play an important part of our plan for 2025. We look forward to working with him to bring to life a Central Scotland with the environment, heritage and people at its heart.”