The Trust has commented on the  publication of the Scottish Government’s Infrastructure Investment Plan.

Our Chief Executive Jo Pike said: “First and foremost, we welcome the Scottish Government’s decision to include natural infrastructure, such as networks of woodland, peatland and marine habitats, in the Infrastructure Investment Plan. This signals a welcome move towards a more strategic approach to investing in nature’s recovery.  

Investment in nature can bring multiple benefits for our climate, health and wellbeing, as well as creating new job opportunities.

“We now need the Scottish Government to commit new funding towards maintaining and improving this natural infrastructure. It’s disappointing that the only commitment so far is to consult on how nature should be included in the definition of infrastructure. Meanwhile,  billions of pounds of investment are being committed in others areas.

“This begs a question. How will government ensure that a strategic share of investment is made in natural infrastructure, when it is clearly not being given the same level of priority? 

“As the Scottish Government’s own consultation highlights, investment in nature can bring multiple benefits for our climate, health and wellbeing, as well as creating new job opportunities. Strategic planning for nature should be an absolutely essential component of the plans for a Green Recovery and needs to progress without delay.” 

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Blog: Making natural infrastructure investment happen