The Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) was set up by the Scottish Parliament to ensure the unique aspects of the Cairngorms – both the natural environment and the local communities – are cared for, sustained and enhanced for current and future generations to enjoy. The CNPA is designed to be an ‘enabling’ organisation promoting partnership and giving leadership to all those involved in the Cairngorms. It must ensure the aims of the Park are “collectively achieved in relation to the Park in a co-ordinated way.”
It has regulatory powers to call in and determine planning applications which are of significance to the Park aims and make management rules and bylaws to: protect the natural and cultural heritage of the Park; prevent damage to the land or anything in, on or under it; secure the publics enjoyment of and safety in the Park.
The CNPA is lead by a board of 25 members – 10 appointed by local councils, 10 appointed by Scottish Ministers and five directly elected by local people.
It is involved in a large number of projects around the Park through a variety of roles, including funding, advisory and delivery including more long term projects which focus on improving outdoor access, providing better information and interpretation services and helping tourism and other businesses operate more sustainably.
Considerable work is also focused on conserving and enhancing the natural and cultural heritage of the National Park through partnership initiatives such as the Local Biodiversity Action Plan and the Cairngorm Deer Advisory Group.
For further information on the work of the Cairngorms National Park Authority click here
