Environment Minister, Roseanna Cunningham launched the International Year of Biodiversity (IYB) at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh on January 13.
Speaking to an audience of around 100 people within the John Hope Gateway, the MSP said: "Protecting our natural environment makes ecological and financial sense. We are surrounded by wonderful examples of nature, from our back gardens to our stunning National Parks, and it is worth remembering that the natural environment is worth over £17 billion to the Scottish economy and supports over 240,000 jobs.
"We as humans are very much part of Scotland's ecosystems and need to recognise and celebrate this fact during the International Year of Biodiversity.''
Regius Keeper at RBGE, Professor Stephen Blackmore said: "The International Year of Biodiversity is something for everyone because we humans are part of the interconnected web of life on earth.''
He announced that the IYB would be celebrated at the Botanics with an exciting programme of events and activities.
Following the formal speeches, Roseanna Cunningham was assisted by six P5 pupils from Tynewater Primary School, Midlothian as she planted a Wollemi Pine into a pot.
The theme for this year's International Science Festival, which runs from 3 to 18 April, is biodiversity and a host of events for all ages will be held at RBGE. For details log onto www.rbge.org.uk/events
To watch video footage from the launch of the IYB go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3_B1Yntys0