September 2024
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This conference focused on next steps for biodiversity and nature protection in Scotland.
It was an opportunity for stakeholders and policymakers to examine implementation of key measures in the draft Strategic Framework for Biodiversity, including:
- the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy - with the target for Scotland to become nature positive by 2030, with restored and regenerated biodiversity by 2045
- options for a proposed Natural Environment Bill - which would introduce statutory and legally binding nature recovery targets
Delegates examined the current state of biodiversity in Scotland and plans to deliver change outlined in the policy framework, including how to address the practicalities of biodiversity loss in the short-term, and longer-term actions, looking at issues and potential pathways towards The Scottish Government’s target.
The agenda focused on key issues emerging from The Scottish Government’s consultation on the Framework, including calls for specific, measurable and achievable statutory targets, and a detailed baseline for biodiversity. We also expected discussion on strategic options for a potential national programme for species recovery, in the context of the Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Act 2024, which aims to provide a support framework to aid nature restoration.
Delegates assessed strategies for developing an effective monitoring and evaluation framework, and what will be needed to support key sectors to meet new proposed statutory targets, as well as priorities for supporting resilience in Scotland’s natural environment, and boosting the role of nature-based solutions in meeting wider climate and net zero targets.
Further sessions looked at key considerations for balancing nature protection with productive agricultural output, and approaches to biodiversity conservation in the context of wider economic and industry growth. We expected discussion on reforms and proposals outlined in the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill, as well as the place of biodiversity and natural capital within Scotland’s economy.
We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with: Dr Dave Signorini, Director, Environment and Forestry, The Scottish Government; Grant Moir, CEO, Cairngorms National Park Authority; Francesca Osowska, Chief Executive, NatureScot; and Ben Reynolds, Executive Director, Institute for European Environmental Policy UK.
Sessions in the agenda included:
- policy context: assessing the current state of biodiversity and nature protection - key priorities going forward
- Scotland’s biodiversity strategy: immediate priorities - addressing drivers of biodiversity loss - focusing on key species and ecosystem outcomes - promoting nature-based solutions
- stakeholder roles and support: enhancing collaborative structures - addressing harmful practices - agricultural sector transition to enhanced biodiversity and nature protection
- implementation: effective monitoring and evaluation - developing a coordinated approach - options for alignment with relevant EU and international policy
- Natural Environment Bill:
- priorities for effective development and implementation - options for measurable and achievable statutory targets - protecting coastal and marine ecosystems
- introducing a programme of ecosystem restoration - partnership projects for restoration areas - improving resilience and moving towards
- Biodiversity Net Gain
- policy for the future: next steps and long-term priorities for nature protection - implementing Scotland’s biodiversity strategy
All delegates were able to contribute to the output of the conference, which will be shared with parliamentary, ministerial, departmental and regulatory offices. This includes the full proceedings and additional articles submitted by delegates. Those that attended include officials from The Scottish Government; ESS; FLS; Defra; DAERA, NI; DfT; ONS; and the Welsh Government.
