231124CNPABdPaper5SBSconsultation
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For decision
Title: Scottish Biodiversity Strategic Framework consultation Prepared by: Andy Ford, Director of Nature and Climate Change
Purpose
The Scottish Government consultation on Scotland’s Strategic Framework for Biodiversity is seeking views on the first 5‑year Scottish Biodiversity Strategy delivery plan, policy frameworks for Nature Networks and 30 x 30, the policy and framework for developing statutory targets, and proposals to update National Parks legislation.
The Park Authority Board previously agreed a response to proposals to update National Parks legislation.
This paper sets out the proposed Park Authority response to the remaining parts of the consultation. The Board is asked to agree the proposed responses outlined in the paper.
Recommendations
The Board is asked to: a) Agree to the consultation response set out in Annex 1
Strategic context
- The Draft Scottish Biodiversity Strategy (SBS) published 2022 identified the vision and outcomes to halt biodiversity loss by 2030 and to have restored and regenerated biodiversity by 2045. The Park Authority commented on the Strategy in Sept 2022. The SBS will be underpinned by a series by 5‑year delivery plans. The delivery plans will define the collective action across different sectors and policy areas, mainstreaming biodiversity as is done for climate action. The Biodiversity Strategy includes a commitment for every Local Authority to have a nature network to improve ecological connectivity across Scotland.
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A global target to protect 30% of the planet for nature by 2030 (known as ‘30x30’) is included in the Kunming-Montréal Global Biodiversity Framework, and was agreed at the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) at COP15. Countries are expected to contribute to this global goal through domestic action to increase coverage of effectively managed protected areas. More than 100 countries have now signed up to the commitment, including the UK. The Scottish Government 2020 Statement of Intent on Biodiversity outlined the Scottish commitment.
The Bute House Agreement includes a commitment to passing a new Natural Environment Bill in the current parliament. A key element of the Bill will be the introduction of legally binding nature restoration targets. Statutory targets will be binding on government in the same way that climate change targets require the Scottish Government to work towards meeting net zero targets.
Strategic policy consideration
The SBS delivery plan is explicit in recognising the important role of National Parks and ensuring they act as exemplars of biodiversity protection and recovery. The delivery plan highlights the ambitious vision and targets in the National Park Partnership plan and the emphasis on collective delivery.
The proposed themes and actions in the SBS Delivery Plan are consistent with and support delivery of objectives in the National Park Partnership Plan. There is a direct read-across from objectives and key actions in the SBS Delivery Plan to National Park Partnership Plan Nature objectives and actions and People and Place objectives including development of a green rural economy, skills development, volunteering and outdoor learning.
The Park Authority and partners’ commitment to delivering the SBS in the National Park, aligned with action to delivering National Park Partnership Plan objectives, will be defined in the Cairngorms Nature Action Plan 2025 – 2030.
The overarching purpose of Nature Networks is connecting habitats and species at a landscape scale, improving ecological connectivity, creating fully functioning, healthy and robust ecosystems which mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change and provide multiple benefits for society. This is fully aligned with ambitions
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for nature recovery in the National Park Partnership plan, and specifically objective A10 Ecological Network.
The guiding principles of Nature Networks are for a regionalised approach, adaptive to local circumstances, with engagement from a wide range of stakeholders, supported by decision grade data and monitoring. These principles reflect the Park Authority’s approach to nature recovery and partnership working in the Park.
The Global Biodiversity Framework included a commitment to ensure that at least 30% of land and sea is effectively conserved for nature by 2030 (30 x 30). The current proposal is that Protected Areas and OECMs (Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures) contribute to 30 x 30. This would constitute 18.2% of Scotland.
Protected areas are considered to be Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), Special Protection Areas and Special Areas of Conservation (SPAs and SACs, collectively known as European sites), Ramsar sites and National Nature Reserves (NNRs).
OECMs are geographically defined areas that are not Protected Areas but are still managed for biodiversity and ecosystem restoration outcomes. They provide long term conservation efforts through supporting a wide range of stakeholders and land managers. OECMs are not formal designations and have no statutory protection. Sites are protected through legal or contractual agreements.
Scottish National Parks are International Union Conservation Nature Category 5 — Protected Landscape. In their current form in Scotland, they do not meet the proposed 30 x 30 criteria, with large proportions either not constituting ‘important for biodiversity’ or not effectively managed or conserved for nature. As such, the area within Scotland’s National Parks under some form of protected area designation is included, however National Parks in their entirety are not.
According to International Union Conservation Nature categorisation, a National Park (category 2) is an area where the main objective is protecting functioning ecosystems, managed in a way that contributes to local economies through promoting educational recreational tourism on a scale that will not reduce the effectiveness of conservation efforts.
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49% of the Cairngorms National Park is Natura designated. Much of this is not primarily managed for ecosystem restoration, and in some cases is deliberately halting natural processes and acting as a barrier to the development of a woodland nature network.
30 by 30 offers the opportunity to refresh our whole approach to area-based conservation to ensure that we have a system that is no longer solely about preserving the current state of an area, but about looking forward to the kind of ecosystems that will be needed to support resilience, connectivity, ecosystem function and services.
The consultation on statutory targets is to establish the high-level framework. Detailed targets and indicators will then be provided in secondary legislation. This approach allows for targets to be agile and adapt to unforeseen circumstance and ensures parliamentary scrutiny in maintained.
Implications
Public finances, public bodies and other partners, stakeholders and funders supportive of the SBS delivery plans will align activities and funding around the delivery plans. This will further encourage a collective approach to delivery of the National Park Partnership Plan and partnership working in the National Park.
Recommended responses for the SBS delivery plan, nature networks framework and 30 x 30 policies would not have any additional resource implications for the Park Authority. SBS delivery plan and nature network proposals may have a positive impact on Park Authority resource if there is greater alignment amongst partners.
As part of the 2022 consultation, the Park Authority commented positively on the SBS vision and outcomes to halt biodiversity loss by 2030 and to have restored and regenerated biodiversity by 2045. The associated delivery plan will also directly support delivery of the National Park Partnership Plan. The framework for Nature Networks is aligned with ambitions in the National Park. It would be seen as incongruous for the Park Authority to disagree at this stage with either of these approaches.
If criteria for designating 30 x 30 sites is contrary to collectively agreed National Park Partnership Plan objectives, there is a risk that partner alignment is not achieved.
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Stakeholders in the National Park are already aligned with National Park Partnership Plan objectives and SBS support is consistent with Park Authority messaging and communications as per National Park Partnership Plan delivery. Support for SBS further cements our commitment to key outcomes, themes actions.
The current approach to protected areas has resulted in only 65.2% of notified features in favourable condition, a further 11.3% unfavourable but recovering and has not halted the overall decline in biodiversity across Scotland. However, there is a direct correlation between Natura sites and the enhanced conservation status of the designated habitats and species within. Whilst it is widely accepted that a move to ecosystem approach is necessary, there is equally a reluctance to ‘de-designate’ or lose the protection that current designations afford. Any new process would need to reassure that there will remain a satisfactory degree of obligation and accountability.
Success measures
The Park Authority’s full response to the consultation will be published on the Park Authority website once submitted to Scottish Government.
The Cairngorms Nature Action Plan 2025 – 2030 will demonstrate coordinated delivery of National Park Partnership Plan and SBS outcomes in the National Park.
30 x 30 site selection will represent strategic implications for National Park Partnership Plan delivery.
Supporting information
Annex 1: Consultation questions and proposed responses Annex 2: Key Actions from the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy Delivery Plan Annex 3: Framework for Nature Networks Annex 4: Framework for 30 x 30
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Annex 1 — Consultation Questions and Proposed Responses
Consultation Question: Have we captured the key actions needed to deliver the objectives? Are the key actions sufficient to put Scotland on track to ending the loss of biodiversity by 2030? Which actions do you think will have most impact?
Scotland’s National Parks and Park Authorities have a key role in delivering the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy. This should be recognised more fully in the Delivery Plan.
The Park Authority is very supportive of the key actions described in the Delivery Plan. There is significant alignment with objectives in the Cairngorms National Park Partnership Plan and the Park Authority recognises and welcomes the ambition for National Parks to act as exemplars of biodiversity protection and recovery.
Many of the key actions are directly reflected in the Cairngorms National Park Partnership Plan where the Park Authority is coordinating delivery by a wide range of stakeholders. The Park Authority is keen to continue to work closely with Scottish Government and partners to continue to demonstrate a leading role in taking forward the key actions on the ground.
The Park Authority agrees with the key actions as being sufficient. However, whilst the key actions are sufficient in the range of activity, the imperative need to act at speed and scale will require investment and resource. Delivery of key actions will also be dependent on the involvement of stakeholders, land managers and across sectors. Support for the key actions must come from a range of incentives, regulations and alignment of policy. We welcome acknowledgement in the key actions that biodiversity recovery must be mainstreamed into other areas of Scottish Government policy and is an important part of the fair and just transition.
Consultation Question: Do you have any comments on the Nature Networks Framework?
The Park Authority welcomes the vision for ‘…evolving, flexible and resilient Nature Networks allowing wildlife and natural processes to adapt to land use and changing climate pressures.’ However, this vision is at odds with the current designations in
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the Cairngorms, which are not allowing the flexibility and readiness to adapt as the vision describes.
The Park Authority would like to see a review of the designation system to allow for a more mobile and adaptive approach to protecting biodiversity which allows the necessary change in the landscape.
The Park Authority is very supportive of the guiding principles for Nature Networks to meet local needs and objectives, with a focus on empowering and equipping delivery partners, and involving partnerships and communities. The Park Authority would like to see National Park Authorities overtly recognised as being responsible for delivering Nature Networks, alongside Local Authorities.
Consultation Question: Do you have any comments on the 30 by 30 Framework?
The vision and principles for delivery of 30 x 30 are consistent with delivery of the National Park Partnership Plan and the wider work of the Park Authority. The criteria for selection and designation of 30 x 30 sites will have significant impact on delivery of the National Park Partnership plan objectives.
The current criteria of designated sites being part of the 30% of Scotland protected for nature will be a significant barrier to the National Park being an exemplar of nature restoration and achieving the National Park Partnership Plan outcome for ‘…a biodiversity rich National Park with better functioning, better connected and more resilient ecosystems’.
The Park Authority feels there is a good opportunity to consider the way the designated sites are delivering for future ecological needs in the National Park as part of the 30 x 30 process.
The Park Authority recommends considering mechanisms for one, overarching designation for the central massif and surrounding areas in the core of the Cairngorms, such as an International Union Conservation Nature Category 2 National Park or a Nature Recovery OECM. This would encompass nature protection and recovery ambitions and enable a more mobile, adaptive framework for designating areas for their potential, enabling action to reach a future state rather than protect a current one.
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Where desirable, commitments in current designations would be met in a more dynamic fashion, allowing the designated features and outcomes to have temporal and spatial flexibility as part of natural processes whilst retaining their nature and extent within an overall, landscape-scale designation.
The Park Authority would like to see a review and reform of the current designation system in the National Park to identify which habitat and species outcomes should be retained and which are overly prescriptive and/or restrictive, within a new landscape-scale designation for the central core of the National Park.
Consultation Question: Do you agree with the approach, criteria, scope, topics, timeline, reporting and review of statutory targets?
The Park Authority agrees with proposal to place nature restoration targets on a statutory footing and that they are able to adapt to be flexible with further detail to be added in secondary legislation with review, reporting and independent oversight processes.
It is suggested that target topics cover the indirect drivers of biodiversity loss as well as biotic and abiotic factors. The Park Authority appreciates the challenge of identifying and monitoring metrics that work at a national and international scale that would also adequately reflect regional circumstances. The Park Authority is developing the Cairngorms NAture Index for baselining and monitoring ecological functionality and biodiversity in the National Park. We look forward to the opportunity in further consultation to identify opportunities for supporting monitoring of National Park Partnership Plan delivery and synergies with the Cairngorms Nature Index.
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Annex 2
Key actions from the Scottish Biodiversity Delivery Plan
Objective 1: Accelerate Restoration and Regeneration
Proposed Key Actions (a) Introduce Statutory Nature Restoration Targets – The Natural Environment Bill will put in place a framework for statutory nature targets.
(b) Identify and facilitate partnership projects for six large scale landscape restoration areas with significant woodland components by 2025 and establish management structures with restoration work progressing by 2030.
© Implement the Scottish Plan for INNS Surveillance, Prevention and Control and secure wider support measures to enable long-term effective INNS removal at scale. INNS management and damage costs increase rapidly over time as new species arrive and established ones continue to spread due to many factors, including as a consequence of climate change. Investing in prevention provides economic returns up to fifty times higher than trying to manage an INNS after it arrives.
(d) Increase resilience in coastal and marine systems by reducing key pressures and safeguard space for coastal habitat change. Actions that provide naturally functioning coastal habitats and landforms will reduce key pressures on the coast and allow for natural change and adaptation to sea level rise and coastal erosion. Tackling marine litter and plastics, noise, other marine contaminants and seabed disturbance will provide healthier marine ecosystems that can maximise support for biodiversity.
(e) Substantially reduce deer densities across our landscapes in parallel with ensuring sustainable management of grazing by sheep to improve overall ecosystem health. Reducing herbivore impacts is one of the biggest levers we have in Scotland for reducing biodiversity loss and enabling regeneration at scale. It is a pre-requisite for many of our nature restoration activities including peatland and woodland restoration.
We will work with the deer management sector to secure average densities of 2 deer per km2 in priority woodland, 5 – 8 deer per km2 in the Cairngorms National
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Park, and more widely a maximum of 10 deer per km2 nationally by 2030. This will require a minimum increase of 25 – 30% on current cull levels sustained over several years. Careful alignment of incentives and regulatory levers will be needed to achieve optimal herbivore densities and reduced grazing and browsing impacts to support biodiversity outcomes.
We will explore how best to support optimal herbivore densities to enhance biodiversity outcomes in the uplands.
(f) Implement a Programme of Ecosystem Restoration – The Habitat Map of Scotland (HabMoS) gives extensive detail on globally and nationally important habitats and ecosystems.4 Alongside our peatland restoration programme, the restoration of Scotland’s Rainforest has already been identified as a priority for restoration and we will further develop a funding and investment model to deliver this. We will also identify species assemblages and species which require action beyond that focussed on the restoration of their ecosystem, and update the Scottish Biodiversity List (Chapter 5).
(g) Enhance water and air quality and undertake water management measures to enhance biodiversity and reduce negative impacts. We will address pollution, water and air quality, and extremes of water availability, through a range of mechanisms to support the restoration of ecosystems and provide wider societal benefits.
(h) Ensure Grouse-Moor management sustains healthy biodiversity. The Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill is addressing raptor persecution and the use of muirburn to ensure it is undertaken in an environmentally sustainable manner by trained individuals.
Objective 2: Protect Nature on Land and at Sea across and beyond Protected Areas
Key Actions a) Ensure that at least 30% of land and sea is protected and effectively managed to support nature in good health by 2030 (30 by 30). Areas that are protected for nature through legal designation and other mechanisms contribute to protecting the most important areas for biodiversity, ecosystem functions and services.
b) On land, currently 18.2% is formally designated, meaning we need to protect approximately 990,000 additional hectares for nature, through a combination of Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) and formal designations. This does not mean removing people or all activity from this land,
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rather it is about developing an approach to sharing our land to create positive outcomes for our biodiversity. We have engaged extensively with stakeholders to develop a policy framework for 30 by 30 which sets out the vision and principles underpinning its implementation. We will continue to engage with stakeholders to build an implementation road map which will include guidance on how we will operationalise OECMs in Scotland. The proposed Natural Environment Bill will provide the opportunity to put in place any legislative provisions necessary.
c) Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) already cover 37% of our seas. We will put in place fisheries management measures for those sites in the Marine Protected Area (MPA) network that require them, increasing the level of protection to support the recovery and resilience of Scotland’s Seas. We will continue our engagement with stakeholders, developing a new pathway and timetable for enhancing marine protection.
d) Expand the role of National Parks and ensure they act as exemplars of biodiversity protection and recovery. Scotland currently has two National Parks and plan to designate at least one more by 2026. We are consulting on a refreshed purpose for our National Park authorities which will emphasise their role in addressing the climate and nature emergencies. New Partnership Plans set out ambitious visions and targets with respect to nature restoration and place an increased emphasis on the role of the Parks’ communities, third sector organisations and the public and private sectors in the implementation of those Partnership Plans.
e) Fulfil the potential of National Nature Reserves (NNRs) for nature recovery. As well as providing places for nature to flourish, Scotland’s 43 NNRs are important gateways to nature, providing opportunities for all of Scotland’s people to experience and enjoy the best of Scotland’s habitats and wildlife. We will identify opportunities for expansion or the designation of new NNRs. Working with the NNR partnership, we will ensure these sites are managed as key building blocks for Nature Networks across Scotland.
f) Expand and enhance Nature Networks and ecological connectivity. By 2030 each Local Authority in Scotland will have a spatially defined Nature Network. Important areas for biodiversity, other sites of local importance for biodiversity (e.g. Local Nature Reserves) and areas being restored for nature will also contribute to Nature Networks. They will provide a range of opportunities for more people, especially those in urban areas, to experience and connect with nature. We have engaged extensively with stakeholders to develop a policy framework for nature networks which sets out the vision and principles underpinning its implementation.
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g) Champion new planning and development measures for protecting and enhancing biodiversity. NPF4 is Scotland’s national spatial strategy and has the climate and nature crises at its heart. It sets out our spatial principles, regional priorities, national developments and national planning policy. We have identified several key actions which will ensure NPF4 secures positive effects for biodiversity such as exploring options for developing a biodiversity metric.
h) Enhance biodiversity in Scotland’s green and blue spaces. The green and blue spaces within and around our buildings and settlements, particularly in our urban areas, provide important places for both people and nature, many of which can be enhanced for biodiversity. We will establish a new National Charter with a clear vision for improving biodiversity in our urban green and blue spaces, and support delivery through strategies and plans that promote best practice management, wider sharing and greater understanding.
Objective 3: Embed Nature Positive Farming, Fishing and Forestry
Key actions a) Ensure increased uptake of high diversity, nature-rich, high soil-carbon, low intensity farming methods while sustaining high quality food production.
b) Introduce an agricultural support framework which delivers for nature restoration and biodiversity alongside climate and food production outcomes.
c) Shift at least half of all funding for farming and crofting from unconditional to conditional support by 2025 with recipients of support to deliver on targeted outcomes for biodiversity gain and low emissions production.
d) Ensure that forests and woodlands deliver increased biodiversity and habitat connectivity alongside timber and carbon outcomes.
e) Implement further fisheries measures in vulnerable marine ecosystems and Priority Marine Features outside of MPAs.
f) Implement a sustainable approach to sea fisheries, using best available scientific advice, and minimising adverse impacts on non-target species and habitats.
g) Implement Scotland’s vision for sustainable aquaculture to minimise negative impacts on biodiversity.
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Objective 4: Protect and Support the Recovery of Vulnerable and Important Species
Key Actions The set of detailed actions underpinning Objective 4 are set out in the Table below. Most significantly we will:
a) Revise the Scottish Biodiversity List of species and habitats that Ministers consider to be of principal importance for biodiversity conservation in Scotland. By identifying the species and habitats that are of the highest priority for biodiversity conservation, the Scottish Biodiversity List helps public bodies apply their biodiversity duty. NatureScot and eNGOs have collated data on species vulnerability in Scotland into the Species at Risk database. This work provides an evidence-based link between vulnerable species, known pressures driving decline and their ecosystems, and is a strong foundation for prioritising species based on risk of extirpation or extinction of endemics. Revision of the Priority Marine Feature (PMF) list is a separate process, and we will adopt the revised PMF list by the end of 2025. Inclusion of habitats and species on the PMF list helps to focus marine conservation action, and also provides policy protection through the National Marine Plan.
b) Develop effective species recovery, reintroduction and reinforcement programmes. The Species at Risk database will support an evaluation of actions to deliver biodiversity recovery through ecosystem management or targeted species action. This includes an assessment of likelihood of success and level of investment required. This work will inform the development of a prioritised list of species conservation, recovery, reintroduction and reinforcement programmes including support for surveillance and monitoring to manage pathogens and disease, for example, as identified by the Avian Flu Task Force. The Species on the Edge programme is an outstanding example of partnership working to restore biodiversity.
c) Manage existing and emerging pressures to improve the conservation of seabirds, marine mammals and elasmobranchs – Work is ongoing to complete the Scottish Seabird Conservation Strategy. The Strategy will set out the actions required to address the key pressures on seabird populations, including those related to climate change. The UK dolphin and porpoise conservation strategy is being revised following public consultation and once published it will provide the framework for taking forward key actions. Alongside seabirds and marine mammals, elasmobranchs (sharks, skates and rays) make up the top three globally threatened marine species groups. Targeted research and management
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actions will be developed to help improve the status of elasmobranchs in Scotland’s seas.
d) Implement measures to protect and recover Scotland’s wild Atlantic salmon and migratory fish populations – The Scottish Wild Salmon Strategy sets out the vision, objectives and priority themes for action to ensure the protection and recovery of wild Atlantic salmon populations in Scotland. It is supported by an Implementation Plan. Measures to protect European eel are contained within the Eel Management Plan for the UK.
Objective 5 – Invest in Nature
Key Actions a) Develop with partners and stakeholders a Biodiversity Investment Plan. This will set out the strategic priorities for public investment through the Nature Restoration Fund and other public funds and where we can deliver best value for money. For example, investing in INNS prevention gives higher economic returns than trying to eradicate an invasive species after it arrives.
b) Establish a values-led, high-integrity market for responsible private investment in natural capital. This will include continuing to develop and enhance the woodland and peatland carbon codes to attract and assist additional investment and develop other codes where appropriate. Explore options for the use of biodiversity credits to secure increased levels of responsible private investment in nature including through CivTech Challenge 8.6.
c) Explore options for attracting private finance to support the restoration of Scotland’s iconic Rainforest.
d) Increase investment in Scotland’s Marine Environmental Enhancement Fund (SMEEF) and investment in activities that help restore Scotland’s coast and seas.
e) Provide direction on, and investment in, green skills and local economic opportunities supporting nature-based education, nature restoration skills and volunteering – Financial investment alone will not deliver the transformational change needed to halt biodiversity loss. We will invest in Scotland’s workforce and support the development of nature restoration skills as part of a Just Transition.
Objective 6: Take Action on the Indirect Drivers of Biodiversity Loss
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Key Actions
a) Engage and strengthen the connection between people and communities and nature – We must widen public awareness and increase understanding of the actions needed to protect and restore nature on land and sea. We will provide more opportunities for people to experience and care for nature so that people’s understanding of the role of nature in our daily lives is improved. Nature positive developments and stewardship of public, community and private land are vital to ensure far more people are actively working for nature recovery – and reaping the rewards.
b) Embed biodiversity and nature in curriculum development – Knowledge of nature must be seen as key to prioritise decisions ahead, not just as a subset of science. Major changes are underway in the education system. Implementation of these reforms and plans provides the opportunity to embed the values, attitudes, knowledge, skills and confidence needed across all sectors to develop practices and take decisions which are compatible with a sustainable and more equitable future. These competencies, as well as a range of practical skills will be essential to Scotland reaching its climate and nature targets.
c) Mainstream and integrate biodiversity policy across government and address unsustainable supply and demand to reduce biodiversity impacts – In Scotland the Environment Strategy has begun to tackle the global footprint of consumption and the challenges and opportunities of shifting to a wellbeing economy. Implementation of actions emphasise the importance of Just Transition and changing patterns of consumption across a wide range of topics.
The Scottish Government’s National Performance Framework can support this step change. Subject to final decisions on the Government’s future legislative programmes, proposed legislation on land reform, well-being, and sustainable development and human rights to a healthy environment will provide the statutory framework to support it. Starting with the forthcoming National Marine Plan 2, further effort is needed in the marine environment to ensure biodiversity and sustainable developments are effectively built into decision making at all levels.
d) Address unsustainable supply and demand to reduce biodiversity impacts Halting the loss of biodiversity requires action beyond traditional conservation and management measures. Recent research has pointed to the importance of sustainable natural resource consumption and trade, reduced food waste and more plant-based human diets having major positive influences on halting
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biodiversity loss by 2050. This also has relevance to the Environment Strategy for Scotland.
e) Make Space for Nature Running campaigns to encourage and support people to: Encourage nature into our lives i. Provide water and homes for wildlife ii. Plant hedgerows and creating gaps in fences iii. Avoid using artificial grass, paving or decking
Give our time for nature i. Undertake regular citizen science activity ii. Join a conservation volunteer group iii. Encourage positive action for nature by public and private sectors
Reduce our impact on nature i. Use only peat free garden products ii. Follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code iii. Take the steps we can to reduce our carbon footprint each year
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Annex 3
Nature Networks Policy Framework
Improving ecological connectivity to create fully functioning, healthy and robust ecosystems, where animal and plant species can move and adapt to pressures is a critical part of the nature restoration agenda. Nature Networks can bring benefits to nature and people, such as clean water, flood mitigation, natural cooling and health and wellbeing. A framework for Scotland’s Nature Networks was developed through a co- design process with over 100 organisations and individuals representing a diverse range of interests. The full draft Policy Framework and outputs of the co-design workshops can be found on the Nature Scot website.
Our shared vision for Nature Networks is:
By 2030 Scotland will have evolving, flexible and resilient Nature Networks connecting nature-rich areas allowing wildlife and natural processes to move and adapt to land use and climate change pressures. The networks will help build people’s connection to nature, providing biodiversity-rich spaces that deliver local benefits, and meet the priorities of local communities for nature.
Nature Networks will be developed as long-term features of local and regional landscapes, which support nature restoration and provide multiple benefits for society.
The guiding principles to be used by implementation partners in delivering Nature Networks are:
Delivering Nature Networks
- Nature Networks will be delivered from the bottom up, addressing local needs and objectives in support of national outcomes for nature and people.
Governance and decision making
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- Governance of Nature Networks will be transparent, democratic and accountable and with inclusive and diverse representation. There will be a focus on empowering and equipping delivery partners from across sectors.
Participation, engagement and communication a) Engagement with partnerships and communities will be inclusive and empowering. b) Communications will include simple and unifying messaging on Nature Networks with a focus on building people’s connection with, and fostering a stewardship of nature. c) Scotland’s public bodies will be exemplars, supporting the delivery of Nature Networks on their land.
Knowledge and skills
Data, mapping and monitoring a) We will be adaptive in our approach to delivering Nature Networks and use the opportunity to improve our understanding of developing effective ecological connectivity. b) Monitoring approaches for Nature Networks will be developed with, and for, stakeholders to inform management and action that maximises effectiveness of the network. c) We will employ innovation and best practice in data collection, management and use. d) Mapping and use of data will be collaborative and holistic in approach.
Finance and resources a) Public and private finance and funding will be delivered through properly resourced, clearly directed, long-term, simple and accessible means. b) Funding and finance will be based on the principles of fairness, trust and transparency through collaborative working. c) Funding and finance vehicles will be coherent and will continue to be maintained.
Policy and Mainstreaming a) Policy and planning levers will be used to safeguard Nature Networks and provide long term assurance b) Coherence across the policy landscape will be maintained.
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c) Mainstreaming Nature Networks, and wider biodiversity targets, at all levels of government and across the whole of society to encourage shared responsibility, efficient use of resources and delivery of multiple benefits (additionality)
Annex 4
30 by 30 Policy Framework
All of society has a role to play in delivering this commitment and Scotland is committed to working with communities and stakeholders to develop an implementation route map. The first step has been to co-design a policy framework which sets out the vision and a set of guiding principles. The 30 by 30 draft Policy Framework and outputs of the co-design workshops can viewed on the Nature Scot website.
The co-design process involved over 100 organisations and individuals representing a diverse range of interests. Through these discussions the following Vision for 30 by 30 in Scotland was agreed:
By 2030 at least 30% of Scotland’s land will be protected or conserved for biodiversity, delivering for people and climate. Sites showcase the best in nature restoration, protection and in mitigating and adapting to climate change. They help protect the rare and vulnerable, as well as delivering diverse, complex, and resilient ecosystems that provide important services that benefit everyone far into the future. These 30 by 30 sites are integrated into the wider landscape, acting as the beating, nature-rich hearts of Scotland’s Nature Network and beyond.
Guiding Principles to Deliver 30 by 30 in Scotland
Theme 1 – Site Selection, designation, safeguarding and governance a) Area-based conservation will provide adequate protection or conservation to the area of importance it covers. b) The approach to 30 by 30 sites will be simple, clear, transparent and flexible in governance and application. c) Approaches to the selection and objectives of 30 by 30 sites will be strategic, forward-looking and dynamic.
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Theme 2 – Land Management a) Management must be adaptive, dynamic, and responsive, operating at the necessary scales (spatially and temporally). b) The policy and legislative landscape in Scotland will be integrated/coherent and better reflect the value of biodiversity to all of Scotland. c) Those responsible for the management of Scotland’s land will be empowered to work collaboratively and equipped with skills needed to champion good management within their own sectors.
Theme 3 – Funding and Finance a) Established and prospective 30 by 30 sites will be considered as priorities for funding and investment. b) Public and private funding and finance will be delivered through properly resourced, clearly directed, long term simple and accessible means. c) Funding based on the principles of fairness, trust and transparency through collaborative working. d) Build and maintain coherence in statutory and public funding.
Theme 4 — Participation engagement and communication: a) The value of 30 by 30 sites for nature and people is clear. b) Collaboration is key. c) Land owning public bodies will manage their land to contribute towards 30 by 30.
Theme 5 — Monitoring a) Monitoring should prioritise the identification and assessment of the most important factors for maintaining the health and resilience of 30 by 30 sites, while also taking into account gaps in knowledge. b) Monitoring will be designed with and for stakeholders to ensure it is iterative and informs ongoing and adaptive land management decisions.
Monitoring will use a combination of traditional methods and emerging technologies, with a focus on maximising the efficiency and effectiveness of data