Scottish Government Publishes Statement of Intent for Nature

The Scottish Government has published a Statement of Intent on Biodiversity which sets out plans to protect at least 30% of Scotland’s land for nature by 2030.

The statement, published by Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham, outlines Scottish Government’s priorities for tackling biodiversity loss as part of a twin-approach to end contributions to climate change and ecological decline.

Commitments also include developing a new national strategy on biodiversity, delivering positive effects for biodiversity through development, supporting locally driven projects to improve ecological connectivity, and endorsing the ‘Leaders’ Pledge for Nature’.

The Environment Secretary said:

Dealing with the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss is one of the most important challenges of this generation. It requires global action and Scotland has played a key leadership role in international negotiations, agreeing ‘The Edinburgh Declaration’ with international partners…

As we begin to emerge from the pandemic, nature based solutions such as woodland creation, peatland restoration, urban green infrastructure, regeneration, and a great range of sustainable enterprises will not only help the environment but create jobs helping us build a greener, more inclusive economy.

The use of Nature-based Solutions is also expected feature heavily in the upcoming Climate Change Plan for Scotland.