URGENT measures are needed to protect the fragile environment of the Cairngorms, area conservation representatives agreed yesterday.
The Cairngorms Partnership Advisory Board heard that a huge increase in funding will be required if the area - one of Europe's most sensitive environments - is designated a national park as expected.
Board members were told that #3m would have to be spent on crumbling footpaths just to bring them up to standard. The board set up a task force to produce a technical report and draw up an action plan.
A similar team will be established to look at ways of protecting the major rivers in the Cairngorms. The board warned that threats to waterways included pollution, acid rain and fish farming.
A total of 750,000 people visited the area in 1995/96, and that number is thought to have increased.
The pressure of so many visitors had damaged paths and could threaten sensitive flora and fauna, it was warned.
Yesterday's board meeting at Mar Lodge, near Braemar, heard that more work should be carried out urgently or the deterioration would continue.
A Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) report presented to members said it would take 34,250 man-days, the equivalent of 45 years, and millions of pounds to repair the most seriously damaged paths.
Chief executive Stewart Fulton rejected suggestions that improving footpaths could attract even more visitors, but acknowledged that it may be beneficial to keep members of the public away from sensitive areas during breeding or nesting seasons.
Mr Fulton said: ''We believe the message is clear: in its footpaths, the Cairngorms has a resource of fundamental importance to its future.
''At the present rate of investment, there is no prospect whatsoever of it being brought into an overall condition appropriate to its international status as an area of outstanding heritage in the foreseeable future.
''If the area is to become a national park in due course, usage of the upland footpaths in particular may increase and the overall condition could worsen. Funding far in excess of existing levels is needed.''
The task force will assess the situation and report back to the next board meeting. The board also agreed to establish a team to look at the possibility of setting up a Cairngorms rivers initiative, similar to one which has attracted funding for the Tweed. It could include representatives from interest groups.
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