The Scottish government has today (Thursday, September 7) launched a consultation asking for views on its plans to accelerate nature restoration and regeneration in the country.
After the ‘Tackling the Nature Emergency: Consultation on Scotland’s Strategic Framework for Biodiversity‘ closes on December 14, 2023, the government said targets for nature recovery could be put into law in line with those for climate change.
The consultation sets out the key elements of Scotland’s overall Biodiversity Framework, including:
- Scotland’s Biodiversity Strategy – published in draft form in December 2022 – setting out goals of halting biodiversity loss by 2030 and reversing declines by 2045;
- The first 5-year Delivery Plan to implement this strategy;
- A set of principles to guide the delivery of key commitments to conserve 30% of land for nature by 2030 and expand ‘nature networks’ across Scotland;
- Proposals for the upcoming Natural Environment Bill, including the introduction of statutory nature recovery targets which will be binding on government in the same way that climate change targets require ministers work towards meeting net zero targets; and
- Changes to National Parks legislation to strengthen the leadership role of National Parks in tackling the climate and biodiversity crises.
Biodiversity Minister Lorna Slater said: “We are at a tipping point for nature – it is in decline across the globe with around 1 million species already facing extinction.
“In Scotland alone, we have seen a 24% decline in abundance of wildlife since 1990; if we don’t take urgent action, nature in Scotland will continue to decline and important species will be lost forever.
“This week we have published our programme for government which recognises that the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss are global challenges of unprecedented proportions.”
Slater said restoring nature will reduce carbon emissions, and tackling the climate crisis is essential if Scotland is aiming to prevent extinctions.
“A nature-positive Scotland creates great opportunities that will benefit people and communities throughout the country and particularly in rural areas,” she said.
“We want to work with everyone – with local government, local communities, organisations and environmental experts – to protect our precious natural environment for future generations.
“We are especially keen to hear the views of the stewards of our land and seas – farmers, gamekeepers and fishers who have the knowledge and skills to drive the transformation that is needed.”
Consultation and farmers
Director of policy for the National Farmers’ Union of Scotland (NFU Scotland), Jonnie Hall, said: “As with climate challenges, active farming and crofting are critical to this nation’s biodiversity ambitions.
“With more than 70% of Scotland’s land under agricultural management, farmers and crofters have a unique role in the stewardship of our habitats and wildlife.”
Hall said rural Scotland is a working landscape, with food production and economic activity being driven by sustainable land management.
“For nature to flourish, we need to enable those who manage our land to deliver multiple outcomes,” he said.
“Enhancing our natural environment is clearly in the public interest and will deliver an array of public goods. But that cannot be sustained at private cost.
“We have the clear opportunity to ensure our agricultural landscapes deliver the right outcomes for food production, climate, biodiversity and rural communities and a balanced approach to delivering on all four fronts is critical.”
Hall said the union will encourage Scottish farmers and crofters to participate in the consultation as it offers an opportunity to “shine a light on all the great work already being undertaken on farms and crofts” as well drilling down on the full range of reasons that lie behind any biodiversity loss.
Director of the Scottish branch of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), Anne McCall, said the consultation is welcome as it will aid in the delivering of change for nature and people.
“We welcome the Scottish government’s ambition to drive forward and scale up action for nature – action which evidence tells us is needed now more than ever,” she said.
“We are at a crossroads, but this consultation gives me hope as it kickstarts a process that is the biggest opportunity for nature in Scotland that I’ve seen in my 25-years working in conservation.
“This is not just a big moment for nature, it’s important for every person in Scotland. Nature underpins our health, wellbeing, the air we breathe, water we drink, food we eat and much of our economy. Restoring nature will deliver many benefits including creating new jobs.”
McCall said RSPB will consider the government’s proposals in detail and “will no doubt have suggestions”.
