The Scottish Wildlife Trust has welcomed the Scottish Government’s Statement of Intent on Biodiversity and encourages significant shifts in policy and strategic investment to secure nature’s recovery.

Our Chief Executive Jo Pike, said: “We’re pleased to see continued recognition that Scotland’s climate and biodiversity are facing a serious crisis. Everyone agrees nature is in trouble. The key is to reverse the decline in a way that also helps fight climate change and supports a transformative green recovery. To meet the ambitious commitments set out in this statement of intent Scotland’s Biodiversity Strategy must contain clear and meaningful targets, and be supported with the resources needed to deliver nature’s recovery.

Scotland’s Biodiversity Strategy must contain clear and meaningful targets, and be supported with the resources needed to deliver nature’s recovery.

“The headline pledge to increase the amount of Scotland’s land and seas covered by protected areas is welcome. But these areas have to be more than lines on a map, and they need to be managed in a way that allows threatened ecosystems to recover and thrive. We also need to think beyond the boundaries of protected areas, ensuring that nature is valued, connected and protected all over Scotland.

“Urgent action is needed to tackle the serious threats facing Scotland’s nature and the Scottish Wildlife Trust stands ready to work with government and others across society to support the development of a meaningful Biodiversity Strategy. Many of the most important solutions, including establishing a Scottish Nature Network and a significant expansion in native woodland, are detailed in our Nature Recovery Plan, recently published in partnership with WWF Scotland and RSPB Scotland.

“We also need to see a real commitment to working in a joined-up way, through measures including effective Regional Land Use Partnerships and a new system of agricultural payments that ensures that public money supports nature’s recovery. Strong support for nature-based solutions within the updated Climate Change Plan needs to be a key part of this new approach.

“2021 is a crucial year for nature, as the world comes together to agree global targets to tackle the climate emergency and reverse biodiversity loss.”

“2021 is a crucial year for nature, as the world comes together to agree global targets to tackle the climate emergency and reverse biodiversity loss. As host of COP26, Scotland has an unprecedented opportunity to demonstrate true environmental leadership to the world. The Scottish Government can show this leadership through transformative policies that put the natural environment at the centre of decision making, and by making a significant strategic investment in nature-based solutions.”