The strategy says small actions, such as planting trees, count

Deputy Environment Minister Allan Wilson made the call as he launched a 25-year strategy on international biodiversity conservation.

A £200,000 grants scheme has been set up to fund the projects which follow.

The document, 'Scotland's Biodiversity: It's in Your Hands', was developed over three years by wildlife experts and the public and private sectors.

It sets out a plan to conserve and enhance biodiversity for the health, enjoyment and well being of the people of Scotland.

Its launch follows the recent passage through parliament of the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Bill, which places a duty on all public bodies - including the executive - to adopt measures to conserve and enhance biodiversity, as an integral part of their daily functions.

Mr Wilson said: "The essential message is that people are the key to successful biodiversity conservation.

It will provide the framework for enhancing all aspects of Scotland's biological diversity Councillor Alison Hay Cosla

"The strategy offers a way to reconnect people with the natural world and ensure that everyone in Scotland recognises and enjoys the complexity and beauty of their natural environment, has a sense of responsibility for it, and works to conserve and enhance it.

"This strategy sets out what is special about Scotland's priceless natural heritage and maps a route for protecting, conserving and enjoying that heritage."

The document said small actions - such as leaving areas of grassland to grow naturally, planting trees, or using plants that attract butterflies - can bring a big benefit to wildlife and positively enhance local biodiversity.

The Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (Cosla) backed the strategy.

Councillor Alison Hay said: "It will provide the framework for enhancing all aspects of Scotland's biological diversity, not just by conserving rare species or habitats, but also through generally improving urban, rural and marine environments.

"Local authorities as major landowners and managers, already make a massive contribution to biodiversity conservation through Local Biodiversity Action Plan work, and in the promotion of sustainable development.