Robin Harper is aiming for the second vote

Leader Robin Harper was the first Green candidate elected to any UK parliament when he became a Lothians MSP four years ago.

Mr Harper said he considered himself as the "green conscience" in Holyrood's first term.

His party's key policies include banning genetically modified crop trials, replacing nuclear with renewable energy and improving public transport.

A green taxation system would generate more income from taxing harmful activities such as pollution and overuse of resources Robin Harper MSP

It is calling for environmental classes in schools, environmental job creation and licensed cannabis cafes.

On transport the Greens propose congestion charging, renationalising the railways and halting the building of new trunk roads in Scotland.

The Green Party has also stated it is against war in Iraq.

To pay for the manifesto pledges the party would tax individuals and companies on a "polluter pays" basis.

Mr Harper said: "A green taxation system would generate more income from taxing harmful activities such as pollution and overuse of resources.

"I introduced a parliamentary debate on green jobs last year which attracted a lot of support in parliament.

"Using taxation, the green economic strategy encourages commercial activity in environmentally beneficial areas and moves it away from environmentally damaging industries."

The Greens want more recycling of waste

He added that hundreds of jobs could be created by investing in eco-friendly waste disposal schemes such as recycling and composting.

Not all issues to be outlined in the manifesto are covered by devolution, but the Greens are calling for more powers for the Scottish Parliament.

Mr Harper's party is campaigning for second votes across Scotland, hoping an MSP can be returned in each of the eight voting regions.

"This manifesto contains fresh, new ideas that are all about Scotland reaching for the future," he said.

"This is a different vision - to improve people's quality of life without destroying the fragile planet we depend on.

"Voters can support this vision and show they care about the world we live in by voting Green with their second vote on May 1."

The party will field a total of 60 list candidates in May's election.