Scottish biodiversity strategy: report to Parliament 2020 to 2024

Ministerial Foreword

This is the sixth Progress Report to the Scottish Parliament on the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy. I would like to express my thanks to NatureScot and the dedicated specialists across our public bodies for their contributions to the preparation of this report. I also acknowledge the valuable efforts of colleagues across the public, private, and third sectors, whose ongoing collaboration has been instrumental in delivering the 2020 Challenge for Scotland’s Biodiversity.

Despite growing consensus on the urgent need to address the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change—and the significant progress made in recent years—this report makes clear that we must go further and act faster. We need to intensify our efforts to ensure that the vital benefits people derive from nature are fully recognised and safeguarded. Crucially, we must do more to identify and implement solutions that tackle both climate change and biodiversity loss together, recognising how deeply interconnected they are. This includes scaling up nature-based solutions such as peatland restoration, woodland creation, sustainable management of our seas and coasts, and the revitalisation of green spaces.

The Scottish Government recognises that across the country NGOs, land managers, farmers and fisheries play a central role in addressing the nature crisis. We are committed to driving change working across the full range of levers including our ability to lead and convene, to legislate, regulate, deliver and invest. Our approach to governance, monitoring and evaluation alongside statutory nature restoration targets will ensure that the collective effort is delivering the transformational change needed to be a Nature Positive nation. This effort must involve a comprehensive, whole-of-society approach, engaging communities, businesses, and decision-makers alike.

Delivering substantial improvements will not be easy or quick. However, with each passing year, our understanding of how to live more sustainably with nature continues to grow. The indicators presented in this report play a vital role in building that understanding, helping us to track progress, identify challenges, and shape more effective action for the future.

Whilst there is no doubt we live in challenging times, I am optimistic for the future, for people and for nature, in Scotland and beyond, following the publication of our new Strategic Framework for biodiversity in Scotland which sets out a clear ambition for Scotland to be Nature Positive by 2030 and to have restored and regenerated biodiversity across the country by 2045. That optimism rests on our commitment to stay on the course we have begun to chart and to continue to move forward through strong partnership and meaningful collaboration.

Dr Alasdair Allan MSP

Acting Minister for Climate Action