Concerns have been raised over delays in creating a new base for the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere.
The organisation has been working with the council on setting up a headquarters in Dalry.
But local councillor Dougie Campbell believes a “lack of movement” from South of Scotland Enterprise is holding things up with a knock-on impact on a range of environmental projects.
The Dee and Glenkens member made the comments when the economy and resources committee met on Thursday to discuss plans to allocate more than £250,000 to schemes aimed at improving the environment.
Councillor Campbell , who has recently joined the biosphere board, said: “There’s been very little progress in terms of the new building that was planned to be built on land formerly owned by the council in Dalry.
“I’m concerned the lack of movement from SOSE is detrimental to the delivery of these projects.
“Are we likely to see progress in the near future in terms of accommodation for the biosphere team?”
Environment manager Simon Fieldhouse said he would ask SOSE for an update and admitted things were moving at a “much reduced pace” but it “shouldn’t impact on delivery of the projects”.
Councillor Campbell suggested the local authority writes to SOSE asking them to “prioritise” the project and that was agreed.
Councillors also approved the list of eight projects officials had chosen to share £257,000 the council had been allocated from the Scottish Government’s nature restoration fund.
The biggest beneficiary is the Borderlands Solway Coast and Marine Project, which is in line for £67,000. The money will be used to buy equipment – including a boat and cameras – and carry out survey work.
The South of Scotland Tree Planting Grant Scheme will receive £45,000. The project awards grants of up to £1,000 to help boost the number of native trees across the region.
Keir Wood Regeneration Project will receive for £41,750 with Glenkens Tree Nursery allocated £39,000 to help plant broad-leaved native trees at Muirdrochwood Forest near Carsphairn. The other four projects are a watercourse resilience and habitat improvement scheme, the Threave Landscape Restoration Project, restoration work at Black Water of Dee and access improvements at Wigtown Bay nature reserve.
North West Dumfries councillor Andy Ferguson expressed concern that “nothing east of the Nith seems to have been included”.
Mr Fieldhouse said staff were looking at developing plans to tackle the east of the region and build on successes such as the Langholm Moor buyout. A report for members also revealed plans to create a marine research centre in Stranraer as part of the Borderlands Natural Capital Innovation Zone. SEPA has approached the council about restoring the Black Stank River in the centre of Stranraer.
