Biodiversity covers all living things on the planet

The Biodiversity Strategy is a long term plan aiming to put the country's native resources at the centre of government policy.

It also seeks to encourage the public to take part in conservation.

Biological diversity - biodiversity for short - is the term given to the variety of living things on the planet.

Native species

It covers everything we need to survive, including the very basics of air, water, and soil.

The Scottish Executive wants to put the country's natural resources at the centre of its policies and also at the heart of industrial and local decision making.

The result is a 25-year plan, which if it becomes law, will halt and reverse the loss of native species and habitats, while increasing public awareness about conservation issues.

Deputy Environment Minister Allan Wilson described it as a strategy for people.

Our quality of life can benefit from improved biodiversity Allan Wilson Deputy Environment Minister

He said it was as much about people's quality of life as it was about other species.

"It makes sense to invest in our natural heritage to preserve and improve our environment," he added.

"Our quality of life can benefit from improved biodiversity.

"Both our psychological and physical well-being can benefit from access to and involvement in our surrounding natural world."

Mr Wilson also highlighted the economic and tourism benefits of a commitment to Scotland's environment.

The paper was published on Tuesday and put out for public consultation shortly.