Image source, Scottish Environment Link

Last November  Scottish Environment Link, external  Wildlife Subgroup Leader Deborah Long said 

“Scotland’s biodiversity is under more pressure than ever before, from human activities including climate change, over-exploitation of the sea, intensive agriculture and development. 

"One in 11 Scottish species is at risk of extinction."

Read our report on the re-launch of the species champion initiative member's debate here  and remember to refresh the page a couple of times!

Image source, Murray Estates

Mr Golden says we are seeing the steady erosion of our cherished green belt.

The Tory MSP says yes there is a need for new housing, but not at the expense of our green belt or biodiversity.

He calls for a biodiversity baseline to be established and protections to be put in place for endangered species.

Mr Golden says lets build consensus on biodiversity.

Tory MSP Maurice Golden says there is increasing evidence that access to nature can promote wellbeing and mental health.

Mr Golden says he agrees with the motion and his amendment seeks to make clear that while there has been progress there is more to be done.

The Tory MSP says he believes the Green and Labour amendments contribute and improve to the motion.

He says setting an ambitious target is not the same as achieving it and the "SNP government has come up short". 

Image source, Iain H Leach

One in 11 native species of animals and plants in Scotland is at risk of extinction , a report by 50 wildlife and research organisations suggested last September.

The group's State of Nature 2016 report says 18% of butterflies, 15% of dragonflies and 13% of plants face dying out.

Across the UK, 13% of species assessed are under threat of disappearing.

The report calls for "significant investment in the environment to ensure year-on-year improvement".

It says changes in agricultural practices - including the use of pesticides and the loss of hedgerows - are among the biggest factors behind the "widespread decline" of nature.

Image source, bbc

Ms Cunningham says she has asked Scottish Natural Heritage to lead on biodiversity.

The minister says she will shortly lay a report on all the aspects of biodiversity. 

She says she is minded to simply accept all three amendments as she doubts there is much difference on these issues.

Image source, Laurie Campbell

Beavers reintroduced to Scotland will be allowed to remain and will be given protected status, the Scottish government announced last November.

Eurasian beavers taken from Norway were released at Knapdale in Argyll in 2009. An illegally-released population has also been discovered in Tayside.

Both groups will be allowed to expand naturally but will be managed to protect farmers and land owners.

Native Scottish beavers were hunted to extinction in the 16th century.

Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham says she cannot ignore the reintroduction of the beaver.

Ms Cunningham says thanks to the joined up working of the stakeholder this has been possible.

Image source, RSPB Scotland

The environment secretory says there is a long way to go in reintroducing the Scottish wildcat. 

She says the government would not hesitate to take action against illegal releases. 

"The killing of raptors remains a national disgrace," she says. 

Image source, bbc

Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham says we should celebrate our biodiversity and address any challenging issues.

Ms Cunningham says 13 Marine Protection Areas have been implemented.

Shes says the Marine Acts make provisions for marine planning.

The minister moves on to peatland restoration.

Ms Cunningham says the government has identified an additional £8m to support peatland restoration.

Here is the government motion.

Image source, Scottish Parliament

The Scottish government will now lead a debate on biodiversity.

Mr Stewart says if the Scottish Conservatives were doing their jobs properly they would be lobbying the chancellor for more money.

The housing minister says all local authorities have finalised there own budgets apart from Clackmananshire. 

He says 11 councils have decided not to increase council tax by the full 3% available to them. 

Mr Stewart says Mr Rumbles talked about voting against the order which shows his impotence. 

He encourages parliament to support the order to ensure local authorities can get on with providing services. 

Image source, Getty Images

Mr Stewart says today's local government finance order seeks agreement to the main allocation of revenue funding for 2017-18.

The total funding amounts to over £10.4bn with revenue funding of £9.6bn, says the local government minister.

He says there will be an additional £107m for social care and health, as well as supporting the attainment gap. 

Mr Stewart says the Scottish government has treated local government very fairly.

Housing Minister Kevin Stewart says the government are looking for support for this settlement for an additional £9.3bn for the 32 local authorities in Scotland. 

Mr Stewart says there should have been more talk about Westminster cuts today. 

Image source, bbc

Mr Simpson says local government is getting a "rum deal".

He asks if any of the £350m coming to Scotland will go to local government.

Finance Secretary Derek Mackay asks when the Tories had this conversion to more money for local government, as it was not asked in discussions with me.

Mr Simpson says the finance secretary did not answer the point and "we can assume there will be no more money."

He says the Tories will back the order but also Labour's amendment, as they agree with every word of it.

Tory MSP Graham Simpson says Derek Mackay looks more like he is in the Proclaimers than he does like Superman, referring to Murdo Fraser's earlier comparison.

Mr Simpson goes on to say the local government settlement, despite the smoke and mirrors, which sees another year on year cut and he cites the Accounts Commission report which he says highlights 15,000 jobs lost.

Lib Dem MSP Mike Rumbles asks why the Tories will not vote against the order and provide strong opposition. 

Mr Simpson says: "If we were to vote this down local government would not get any money."

Labour MSP James Kelly says there is an accumulation of decisions made by the government which means local authorities are being penalised.

Housing Minister Kevin Stewart says Labour have been disingenuous and asks if it would be fair to increase the taxes for those earning £11,500 to pay for Tory austerity.

Mr Kelly says it is not true to say people on that level of income would pay more under Labour plans.

The Labour MSP says the finance secretary has done nothing with the additional powers.