Draft Environment Strategy consultation: statement

Responding to the views in the consultation

This section of the statement sets out how the views that were expressed during the consultation, either through the online questionnaire or in the workshops, have been taken into account in preparing the final version of the Environment Strategy.

The views that were provided during the consultation have helped the Scottish Government to finalise the Strategy and the related impact assessments. Following the consultation, we have made a number of significant changes to the Environment Strategy that respond to the feedback received. We have made changes to both the structure of the Strategy and to the substantive content. All the views that were expressed during the consultation process have been carefully reviewed and considered. Some points raised in consultation responses will be considered during the implementation and monitoring of the Environment Strategy. Some of the key changes that have been made to the Strategy include:

• We have made the Strategy more focused by developing a shorter core strategy with the outcome pathways presented in an Annex.
• We have introduced a new section setting out an integrated approach to achieving the vision of the Strategy, in order to help maximise synergies between the outcomes and manage potential tensions or unintended impacts.
  • This section sets out examples of the next steps we will take to support this integrated approach, including a renewed focus on blue-green infrastructure and other nature-based solutions.
  • It also explains how we will support delivery of multiple environmental, social and economic benefits through engagement with people, businesses and other stakeholders; and by supporting local, place-based and community-led action. This will help to identify opportunities for win-wins, avoid unintended impacts (such as disproportionate cost burdens for people and businesses) and ensure that our approach is designed to reduce existing inequalities and avoid creating new ones.
• We have ensured that there is a clearer focus in the outcome pathways on the next steps that the Scottish Government will take to drive progress towards the outcomes.
• This includes steps for engaging with businesses across sectors, their representative bodies and investors to better understand the opportunities for adopting net zero, nature positive, circular economy business practices, and support needed to overcome potential barriers.

The impact assessments have also been updated to take account of the responses received to the consultation. Many of the updates that have been made relate to the importance of considering potential unintended consequences of the priorities and proposals in the Environment Strategy. We have strengthened the content in the Impact Assessments about how we will ensure that impacts are considered fully during the implementation of individual policies that reflect the priorities set out in the Strategy. We have also reflected the proposals in the Strategy for further engagement with business as we move to implementation. Finally, we have reflected additional information offered in consultation responses from groups considered in the Impact Assessments, that have added valuable additional detail.