Many congratulations to Humza Yousaf, newly elected leader of the SNP and First Minister of Scotland (pending a formal confirmation by the Court of Session). As the new First Minister gets to work, nature has no time to wait. During the leadership contest, the climate and nature crisis was barely mentioned. This was worrying.
While Scotland is known for our amazing wildlife, and David Attenborough's current TV series, 'Wild Isles' has been providing amazing footage of some of Scotland's wildlife, it has also highlighted just how much we've lost. Scotland's nature is in crisis. We rank 28th from the bottom in the Biodiversity Intactness Index, making us one of the most nature depleted countries in the world.
Within the next year there are several bills moving through parliament and key policies in development, which are essential to a nature positive future for all of us.
A Nature Positive UK by 2030, adapted from the Global Goal for Nature. For more information please visit https://www.naturepositive.org/
Humza Yousaf is currently building his ministerial team, but as Scotland’s First Minister, he is ultimately accountable for the state of Scotland’s nature. It is essential that he keeps these policies on track. Here’s what requires his attention:
Agriculture Bill
Our current agriculture policies are not fit for purpose in the face of a nature and climate emergency. There will be a new Agriculture Bill introduced to the parliament this Autumn which will determine how more than half a billion pounds is spent each year supporting farming. This Bill is a major opportunity for Scotland to transition to nature and climate friendly farming methods. It’s also a chance to protect and improve the management of our woodlands and forests. Managing Scotland’s land sustainably can help wildlife, reduce emissions and store carbon. It will create green rural jobs and make a positive contribution to our economy; this is a priority area for action.
Scottish Biodiversity Strategy
The Scottish Government will soon consult on the revised draft of its Biodiversity Strategy - which was published at COP15 in December - and the first 5-year delivery plan, which will be crucial for ensuring that the positive vision is turned into action on the ground. While the revised strategy is improved, it still does not go far enough for Scotland’s species. This strategy and the associated delivery plan will pave the way for the Natural Environment Bill, which is expected in parliament in 2024. As part of our recent #SaveScotSpecies e-action, over 11,000 virtual postcards have been sent to MSPs from constituents, highlighting public awareness and concern for nature.
Natural Environment Bill
The Natural Environment Bill will set legally binding nature restoration targets at land and sea, and set a framework for monitoring and enforcing targets which is essential for accountability to tackle the nature emergency. These targets are absolutely vital to drive cross government and cross sector action to reverse nature loss, much in the way that we have seen Net Zero targets drive action on climate change.
‘30 by 30’
The Scottish Government committed in 2020 to protect 30% of Scotland’s land for nature by 2030 and are currently developing plans for delivering that commitment, with a consultation expected soon. This reflects the new global target to protect 30% of the planet’s land and sea by 2030 and is a major opportunity to create more protected areas, and improve the protected sites we already have, ensuring they are bigger, better and more joined up. This will help species and habitats to recover.
Image credit: Ben Andrew
Marine
Scotland’s marine habitats face a combination of pressures due to climate change, seabird food shortages, accidental bycatch, invasive non-native species and avian influenza (HPAI). These threats mean urgent progress is needed on protected areas including Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs).
With the urgent need for decarbonisation, an enormous expansion of offshore wind development is proposed for Scotland’s seas, home to some of the world’s most important seabird colonies. Although vital in the fight against climate change, if poorly sited, these projects risk killing thousands of seabirds every year. It is therefore essential that these developments are in well suited sites with minimal impact and only allowed to progress alongside measures which ensure nature positive outcomes.
Climate Change Plan
A new Climate Change Plan is being developed by the Scottish Government, and it must embed transformational policies across all areas to reduce emissions and meet Scotland’s 2030 and 2045 targets. This includes transport, climate and nature friendly farming, restoration of Scotland’s peatlands, energy efficiency and heating and must turn ambition into action, in harmony with nature.
Wildlife Management and Muirburn Bill
This recently introduced Bill is crucial for protecting and restoring our upland habitats and their species, including stopping burning and damage to vital carbon stores of deep peat, and protecting birds of prey from persecution. We will be fighting for Scotland’s nature as this Bill moves through the Scottish Parliament in the coming months.
New National Park(s)
Within the Bute House Agreement between the SNP and the Scottish Greens, the Scottish Government committed to introducing at least one new National Park in Scotland by the end of this Parliamentary term. This entails consultation on what national parks should be for, and how new national parks should be selected. Reforming and supporting all of Scotland’s National Parks to prioritise delivery for nature is crucial and will contribute to delivering ‘30 by 30’. National Parks have a key role to play in delivering a Just Transition to Net Zero and a nature-positive future for local communities and people across Scotland.
Good Food Plans
Following the passing of the Good Food Nation Act in June 2022, the Scottish Government will be introducing a National Food Plan in September 2024 with consultation on the plan later this year. There will also be the development of local food plans by all local authorities and health boards. Progress in achieving the outcomes of the National Food Plan will be monitored by a newly established independent Scottish Food Commission due to launch in September 2024. This process will allow for a more sustainable, healthy, and fair food system.
This list represents just some, of the many, urgent actions needed to protect and restore Scotland’s nature. We are in a critical time for nature and climate. Recent IPCC warnings have shown we must act with greater urgency than ever before. 1 in 9 species risk extinction from Scotland.
On behalf of our tens of thousands of members and supporters in Scotland we urge the new First Minister to prioritise action for nature.
Header image shows a Yellowhammer perched on a stump in a Glasgow park. Credit: Tom Marshall.