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Tackling the Nature Emergency

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Scotland’s Strategic Framework for Biodiversity Consultation is closing on December 14, 2023. It is a significant consultation seeking public feedback on various aspects of biodiversity and addressing the nature emergency in Scotland. The consultation encompasses three main components:

1. The Scottish Biodiversity Strategy: This outlines the vision to halt and reverse biodiversity loss in Scotland.

2. The First Five-Year Delivery Plan: This details the actions necessary to achieve this vision.

3. The Proposed “Natural Environment Bill”: This bill aims to establish statutory nature targets to drive delivery and the transformational change required to tackle the biodiversity crisis​​.

The consultation is divided into two parts:

• Part A deals with the final draft of the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy, the first five-year Delivery Plan, and policy frameworks for Nature Networks and protecting at least 30% of lands and seas by 2030 (30 by 30).

• Part B focuses on proposals requiring legislation, including statutory targets for nature restoration and changes to National Parks legislation​​.

The Scottish Government's draft Biodiversity Strategy, published in December 2022, included a vision, outcomes, and 33 priority actions designed to address biodiversity loss. These actions are centred around objectives such as accelerating restoration and regeneration, protecting nature on land and at sea, embedding nature-positive farming, fishing, and forestry, supporting the recovery of vulnerable species and habitats, investing in nature, and addressing indirect drivers of biodiversity loss​​.

The Bute House Agreement (2021) included a commitment to passing a new Natural Environment Bill in the current Scottish parliament, featuring legally binding nature restoration targets. These targets will provide a clear accountability framework for delivering on the commitments set out in the strategy​​. The proposed Natural Environment Bill may also include changes to the legislation governing Scotland’s National Parks, reflecting their role in tackling the climate and biodiversity crises​​.

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Some things you may wish to consider when completing this consultation:

1. Advocation for Ecosystem Restoration: Emphasising the need for a comprehensive programmes to restore ecosystems, not just protecting our remaining natural areas.

2. Calling for Species Recovery Initiatives: Highlighting the necessity of targeted actions to help fragile species recover.

3. Supporting Legally-Binding Nature Targets: These targets are crucial for accountability and motivating decision-makers to act against nature loss.

4. A Plan to Protect 30% of Scotland’s Land: Seeking details on how the government will fulfil its commitment to protect a significant portion of land for nature by 2030.

5. Urging for a Specific Funding Plan: Stating the importance of investing in nature for its restoration and the benefits it provides​​.

6. Delivery agents: Considering the roles of communities and community organisations in delivering these outcomes

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The importance of public participation in this consultation, cannot be understated. Collective responses can significantly influence government strategies and policies, especially concerning the protection and recovery of biodiversity.

Please let your views be heard! Speak up for Nature.