Responding to the Scottish Government’s Programme for Government the Trust’s Chief Executive Jo Pike said:

“We welcome the First Minister’s continued commitment to addressing the interlinked challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss but now need two things: a step-change in investment in nature, and a more joined-up approach to Scotland’s recovery from the pandemic.

“Biodiversity remains sorely underfunded compared to other areas of public investment despite its importance to Scotland’s future”

Jo Pike, Chief Executive 

“The stark reality is that biodiversity remains sorely underfunded compared to other areas of public investment despite its importance to Scotland’s future. For example, we are still lacking a clear commitment to investing in new native woodlands.

“We strongly support the development of a green workforce that can tackle the ecological and climate crises but it is vital that nature-based solutions are part of this discussion. We also support innovation that will help unlock new forms of investment in Scotland’s natural capital. Our Route Map to £1 Billion, published in May in partnership with SEPA, outlines a number of ways to take this important work forward.

“We now need to put nature at the heart of Scotland’s forthcoming Climate Change Plan and Infrastructure Investment Plan, so that we can emerge from the experience of the coronavirus stronger and more resilient.

“Nature is our life support system, and the Scottish Government has offered welcome recognition that it is central to our wellbeing. However, with one in nine of Scotland’s species facing extinction, time is running out to reverse the decline.”

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Read our Nature Recovery Plan (published in partnership with RSPB Scotland and WWF Scotland)

Discover how nature can be key to responding to the climate emergency