Biodiversity

  1. Land reform in a Net Zero nation: consultation analysis

    Outlines the findings from an analysis of responses to a public consultation on land reform in a Net Zero nation.

  2. Climate change monitoring report 2023

    The second annual statutory monitoring report against the updated 2018 Climate Change Plan, as per the Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Act 2019.

  3. Nitrogen use efficiency in Scotland: annual report 2023

    First annual report under section 5(1)(c) of the Climate Change (Nitrogen Balance Sheet) (Scotland) Regulations 2022, and complements the latest published version of the Nitrogen Balance Sheet for the year 2020.

  4. Developing essential fish habitat maps: report

    The project helped define areas of the sea essential to fish for spawning, breeding, feeding, or growth to maturity. Twenty-nine species and multiple life-stages were reviewed covering marine fish and shellfish of commercial and ecological importance, relevant to offshore wind development areas.

  5. New National Parks - appraisal framework: consultation

    We produced an appraisal framework to support the assessment of nominations for new National Park designations in Scotland. This consultation is seeking your views and comments on this and the selection criteria for new National Parks.

  6. New National Parks - nomination process and draft appraisal framework: consultation

    We produced an appraisal framework to support the assessment of nominations for new National Park designations. This consultation is seeking your views and comments on this and the selection criteria for new National Parks in Scotland.

  7. Mobilising private investment in natural capital: report

    This report looks at how to encourage responsible private investment into peatland restoration, including how to overcome barriers to scaling voluntary carbon markets to restore peatland in Scotland.

  8. Equality, opportunity, community: New leadership - A fresh start

    This publication sets out the First Minister’s vision for Scotland and the outcomes he and his government aim to achieve by 2026.

  9. Wildlife crime in Scotland: annual report 2021

    The tenth wildlife crime annual report, with new data from the financial year 2020 to 2021.

  10. National Islands Plan Annual Report 2022

    The Islands (Scotland) Act 2018 requires that a report is presented to Parliament each year setting out the progress made towards delivery of the National Islands Plan. This report sets out progress made during the 2022 reporting year.

  11. Environment Strategy for Scotland: second progress report

    The second annual report to Parliament on progress in developing the Environment Strategy for Scotland, as required under the UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Continuity) (Scotland) Act 2021.

  12. National parks - challenge exercise: summary analysis

    Summary analysis of contributions made to the 'Future for National Parks in Scotland' challenge exercise, May to June 2022, on our public dialogue platform www.ideas.gov.scot.

  13. Priority marine feature surveys within the Small Isles MPA and surrounding waters

    Marine Scotland collected and analysed abundance information for species with conservation importance relevant to priority marine features in the Small Isles MPA and the surrounding region (2012 – 2017). Abundance changes for key species and the relationship with fishing activity was assessed.

  14. Scotland's Blue Economy: current status review

    Describes our starting position in the transition to adopting a Blue Economy approach to marine sectors, communities, and the environment. It provides us with the foundation to consider how we can track our progress and determine if significant and lasting change is occurring.

  15. Ending the sale of peat: consultation

    We are consulting on ending the sale of peat in Scotland. Responses to this consultation will inform plans and timescales for moving away from using peat products in order to protect peatlands from further damage. Their protection and restoration form important components of our Climate Change Plan.

  16. Funding to help nature projects grow

    Supporting and scaling up responsible investment in nature.

  17. National Electrofishing Programme for Scotland (NEPS) 2021: analysis

    The National Electrofishing Programme for Scotland (NEPS) is a statistical survey design that ensures collection of unbiased data on the density and status of salmon and the pressures that affect them, including water quality and genetic introgression. This report presents the latest analysis.

  18. Wild salmon strategy: implementation plan 2023 to 2028

    Plan setting out the actions to be taken over a five year period to 2028, to achieve the vision as outlined in the Scottish wild salmon strategy published in January 2022.

  19. A nature positive Scotland

    Scotland’s strategy to tackle the nature emergency.

  20. Highly Protected Marine Areas: policy framework

    Sets out our proposed definition and aims of Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) and what this could mean for different activities taking place in Scottish waters. Also describes how we will account for socio-economic factors alongside ecological considerations and proposed new legal powers.

  21. Edinburgh Declaration on post-2020 global biodiversity framework

    Setting out the aspirations and commitments of the Scottish Government, Edinburgh Process partners, and the wider subnational constituency of the Convention on Biological Diversity, in delivering for nature over the coming decade.

  22. Scotland leads global action for nature.

    Environment Minister welcomes international support for Edinburgh Declaration.

  23. Accelerating action to tackle nature and climate crises

    More funding to support biodiversity projects.

  24. Transformative change to protect Scotland’s nature

    Ambitious proposals to halt biodiversity loss.

  25. Protecting and enhancing nature

    More funding for local nature restoration projects.

  26. Scottish Natural Capital Accounts 2022

    This report estimates quantity and value of services supplied by Scotland's natural capital.

  27. Blue Economy Vision launch

    Move to make Scotland a global leader in marine management.

  28. New species of soft coral discovered in Scottish waters

    Find underlines importance of biodiversity.

  29. Big ambitions for Wee Forests

    Connecting people and nature.

  30. Showcasing agricultural climate action

    Peer to peer network to launch.

  31. Expanded funding to restore and protect nature

    £55 million for nature restoration and biodiversity projects.

  32. California signs Scotland’s world-leading nature declaration

    Governments and cities encouraged to take action for nature at COP26.

  33. Conserving wild salmon

    More than £500,000 to study the pressures faced from pollution and climate change.

  34. 30% of Scotland’s land to be protected for nature

    Next steps on tackling biodiversity loss published.

  35. Scottish biodiversity strategy post-2020: statement of intent

    Sets the direction for a new biodiversity strategy which will respond to the increased urgency for action to tackle the twin challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change.

  36. Driven grouse moors - socioeconomic and biodiversity impacts: summary report

    A summary report of findings from research into socioeconomic and biodiversity impacts of driven grouse moors and the employment rights of gamekeepers

  37. International declaration agreed

    Calls for global biodiversity action at all levels.

  38. Biodiversity: sustainable procurement guidance

    Guidance for public bodies covering the purchase of products or services that have potential negative impacts on biodiversity.

  39. Improving protection given to Priority Marine Features: responses to scoping consultation

    Summary of responses received to our consultation on the scoping of the project to improve protection of Priority Marine Features outside the Marine Protected Area network.

  40. Scottish climate change adaptation programme 2019-2024: strategic environmental assessment

    This SEA investigates the likely significant effects on the environment.

  41. Developing an environment strategy for Scotland: analysis of responses to online discussion

    Independent analysis of responses to our June to August 2018 online discussion that sought views to help inform the development of an Environment Strategy for Scotland.

  42. Boost for bees and butterflies

    Ten-year plan to stop decline of pollinating insects.

  43. Biodiversity duty reporting: guidance

    This guidance has been superseded by guidance at https://www.nature.scot/guidance-note-biodiversity-duty-explained.

  44. 2020 Challenge for Scotland's Biodiversity

    A strategy for the conservation and enhancement of biodiversity in Scotland.

  45. Scotland's biodiversity: it's in your hands

    A strategy for the conservation and enhancement of biodiversity in Scotland, published in September 2004.

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