The Initiative has as its aims

to provide adequate protection for the marine environment surrounding Fair Isle in recognition of its cultural as well as its environmental values and traditions, for the benefit of the Isle, its inhabitants, its visitors and the nation.

to demonstrate the continued role and value of safeguarding the marine resource through sustainable management as traditionally practised by the Fair Isle community.

to maintain and enhance the marine environment and related traditional activities for and into the new Millennium.

to provide facilities and interpretation which will

benefit and serve tourists;

widen the range of tourism attractions offered by the isle;

make Fair Isle a model and focal point for environmentally positive tourism.

to initiate and act as a model for integrated protection, interpretation and appreciation of the marine environment, setting national and international standards for the new Millennium for one of the twentieth century’s most neglected conservation issues.

The Initiative has been identified by the island community as a necessary process towards sustaining the socio-economic well-being of Fair Isle.

Tourism to Fair Isle is largely environmental. The environment is an asset which needs to be maintained and enhanced for community survival and development.

Fair Isle culture and traditions are inextricably linked with the marine environment, which is central to the stability, development and needs of the community.

The Initiative responds to a set of conditions stipulated by the Council of Europe in awarding the European Diploma, held by Fair Isle since 1995.

The Initiative responds to needs identified at Fair Isle community and European level.

The Initiative combines archive research, survey and original investigation to give an overall picture of a maritime community in a way which we believe to be novel.

Interpretive material which is issuing from this investigation has educational as well as tourism value.

The Initiative has a clear focus on the Isle. It is a community project, with every inhabitant contributing.

The Initiative has been planned following full consultation with a host of authorities and organisations.

The Initiative has received the support of a range of organisations, and operates in partnership with the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Trust and the National Trust for Scotland.

Links have been forged with marine initiatives abroad and with established marine protection sites in Britain. However, there are no UK Initiatives similar to ours.

The Initiative is considered by the Island community to be a project which fully and thoroughly addresses and integrates Community Development and Environmental needs.

The project presents a unique opportunity for an environmental Initiative to be developed and led by a local community.

Feedback from other organisations and authorities has been that the Initiative is innovative and needed.

The Initiative sets a standard for integrating local maritime community needs and interests with socio-economic development and enhancement of the marine environment.