Biodiversity Programme Advisory Group
Overview
The Biodiversity Programme Advisory Group was formed in 2022 to provide advice on the development of the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy and its accompanying delivery framework.
The main objective of the PAG is to put the necessary measures in place to enable transformational change to address the drivers of biodiversity loss and to improve the state of nature in Scotland.
The group will advise the Programme Board on all aspects of science and evidence to help achieve the programme objectives.
Members
- Professor Mathew Williams, Scottish Government (Chair)
- Professor Des Thompson FRSE, Leverhulme Fellow
- Dr Helen McKay OBE FICF, Scotland’s Chief Forester
- Professor Jerry Wilson FRSE, RSPB
- Dr Janet Fisher, University of Edinburgh
- Professor Rob Brooker, James Hutton Institute
- Professor Beth Scott, University of Aberdeen
- Professor Kirsty Park, University of Stirling
- Professor Pete Hollingsworth FRSE, RBGE
- Clive Mitchell, NatureScot
- Ben James, NatureScot
- Professor Davy McCracken, SRUC
- Dr Philip Boulcott, Scottish Government
- Professor Anne Magurran, University of St Andrews
- Dr Rosalind Bryce, University of the Highlands and Islands
Observer membership
Name: Alan Hunt
Job title: Head of Policy Analysis and Horizon Scanning, Environmental Standards Scotland (ESS)
Role relating to the PAG: ESS are identified as the Independent Review Body (IRB) under the NE Bill provisions and have existing specific duties relating to monitoring and investigating public authorities’ compliance with environmental law, the effectiveness of environmental law, and how it is implemented and applied in Scotland.
Inclusion within the PAG as observer is to offer insight into the manner in which scientific and independent advice is being sought in relation to the setting of targets in the interim period before IRB functions are in effect.
Commencement and end of role: 12 May 2025 until IRB functions under the Natural Environment Bill are in effect unless such provisions of the Bill are not passed by the Scottish Parliament or the role has been revoked at an earlier date with justification.
Name: Sally Rouse
Job title: Principle Scientific Advisor, Environmental Standards Scotland (ESS)
Role relating to the PAG: ESS are identified as the Independent Review Body (IRB) under the NE Bill provisions and have existing specific duties relating to monitoring and investigating public authorities’ compliance with environmental law, the effectiveness of environmental law, and how it is implemented and applied in Scotland.
Inclusion within the PAG as observer is to offer insight into the manner in which scientific and independent advice is being sought in relation to the setting of targets in the interim period before IRB functions are in effect.
Commencement and end of role: 12 May 2024 until IRB functions under the Natural Environment Bill are in effect unless such provisions of the Bill are not passed by the Scottish Parliament or the role has been revoked at an earlier date with justification.