Biodiversity
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Seabirds: strategic ornithological compensatory measures: review
A review of potential strategic ornithological compensatory measures, assessing their practical and ecological feasibility in the Scottish context
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Crofting law reform
Analysis of consultation responses published.
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Protection afforded to certain Ramsar features - policy amendment proposals: consultation
Consultation paper seeking views on proposals to treat Ramsar sites and natural features in the same way as European sites, for the purposes of the Habitats Regulations Appraisal process.
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Biodiversity - strategic framework: consultation analysis
A summary and analysis of responses received to our public consultation on Scotland’s strategic framework for biodiversity 'Tackling the nature emergency', which ran from September to December 2023.
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National Marine Plan 2: planning position statement
This Planning Position Statement (PPS) is the culmination of our work to date on the development of Scotland’s National Marine Plan 2 (NMP2) and consolidates stakeholder feedback, setting out the latest development of high-level objectives and policy ideas for NMP2. Take part in the consultation: https://consult.gov.scot/marine-scotland/national-marine-plan-2-planning-position-statement/
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Attracting private investment in nature
Launch of Scotland’s Natural Capital Market Framework.
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Natural Capital Market Framework
Scotland's natural environment is at the heart of our identity, economy, and communities. This document supports responsible, values-led investment in natural capital through the expansion of high-integrity voluntary carbon markets, and development of opportunities to invest in biodiversity.
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Nature’s role in economy
Jobs and sectors dependent on sustainable natural world.
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National Park consultation
Extended time to comment on proposal for Galloway to become a National Park.
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National litter and flytipping strategy: baseline report
This report was completed as part of the National Litter and Flytipping Strategy (NLFS) year one action plan, action 18; to Improving consistency of flytipping data data by developing a flytipping baseline for Scotland, identifying data gaps and changes that may be needed in the future.
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Supporting food and drink businesses
New funding to promote regional products.
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Conservation of Atlantic salmon - gene banking: principles and considerations
This report examines the procedures, considerations, risks and opportunities of gene banking for Atlantic salmon conservation and restoration in Scotland. Presented is a brief overview of live gene banking and a detailed focus on cryobanking to preserve gametic material through freezing and storage.
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National Islands Plan: Implementation Route Map 2024
Details how we will deliver our priorities over the lifetime of the National Islands Plan. It identifies the methods to monitor progress towards fulfilling the many commitments in the Plan and sets out timescales for delivery of our work.
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National Good Food Nation Plan: consultation analysis - executive summary - easy read
Easy read version of the executive summary of the independent analysis of responses to the consultation on the national Good Food Nation plan.
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National Good Food Nation Plan: consultation analysis
An independent analysis of the responses to the consultation on the national Good Food Nation plan.
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Climate change - Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029: child rights and wellbeing impact assessment
Child rights and wellbeing impact assessment undertaken for the Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024 to 2029.
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Climate change - Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029: children's version
Children's version of the Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024 to 2029. This version can be used to support learning and sets out the actions the Scottish Government and partners will take to respond to the impacts of climate change from 2024 to 2029.
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Climate change: Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024 - 2029 - easy read
Easy read version of the Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-29. The Adaptation Plan sets out the actions that the Scottish Government and partners will take to respond to the impacts of climate change from 2024 to 2029.
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Climate change - Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029: joint equalities impact assessment and Fairer Scotland Duty assessment
Joint equalities impact assessment and Fairer Scotland Duty assessment undertaken for Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029.
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Climate change - Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029: island communities impact assessment
Island communities impact assessment undertaken for the Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-29.
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Climate change: Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029
Sets out the actions that the Scottish Government and partners will take to respond to the impacts of climate change. This Adaptation Plan sets out actions from 2024 to 2029.
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Managing deer for climate and nature: consultation analysis
Analysis of responses to the Scottish Government consultation on 'managing deer for climate and nature'.
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Climate change - draft Scottish national adaptation plan 3 2024 - 2029: consultation analysis
Analysis of responses to consultation on the draft Scottish National Adaptation Plan 3 (SNAP3) 2024 to 2029.
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Support for farmers and crofters
Early payment to more than 11,500 businesses.
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Scotland's Land Use Strategy Annual Progress Report – 2023/2024
Fifth annual progress report on Scotland's land use strategy, as required under Section 37A of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009. It covers the period of March 2023 to March 2024.
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National Marine Plan 2 (NMP2) Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Scoping Report: Consultation Analysis
Analysis of responses to the consultation on the proposed scope and level of detail for the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of National Marine Plan 2 (NMP2).
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Overcoming barriers to the engagement of supply-side actors in Scotland's peatland natural capital markets - Annexes Volume
Research with landowners and managers in Scotland to better understand their motivations and preferences to help inform the design of policy and finance mechanisms for high-integrity peatland natural capital markets.
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Overcoming barriers to the engagement of supply-side actors in Scotland's peatland natural capital markets - Final Report
Research with landowners and managers in Scotland to better understand their motivations and preferences to help inform the design of policy and finance mechanisms for high-integrity peatland natural capital markets.
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Scotland's New National Park Appraisal Panel: final report
This report includes the Appraisal Panel’s advice to Ministers on the extent to which nominated areas meet each of the criteria for consideration for designation as new National Parks.
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National Park in Galloway: proposal by Scottish Ministers
This sets out Ministers’ formal proposal for a new National Park in Galloway and the requirement for NatureScot to take on the reporter role.
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Planning and climate change guidance: research report issue 3
Research comprising a desk-based study and stakeholder engagement with developers and decision-makers to develop understanding of the approaches currently being used to both assess and minimise lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions of development proposals. This research is to inform National Planning Framework 4.
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Assessing distribution of Didemnum vexillum in Scotland using environmental DNA
This study explores use of environmental DNA (eDNA), DNA shed into water or sediment by organisms inhabiting marine environment, to assess the distribution of Didemnum vexillum in the Firth of Clyde, Loch Creran, and the wider Lynn of Lorn areas.
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Marketing of Organic Heterogeneous Material (OHM): consultation results
Consultation results on the proposed legislative options and scope of marketing organic heterogenous material (OHM) in Scotland.
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Agriculture Bill to become law
Supporting sustainable and regenerative farming and crofting.
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Record high peatland restoration
Improving climate change resilience.
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Atlantic salmon - determining run timing proportions: report
Recently, a number of genetic markers associated with run timing was published. This Scottish Marine and Freshwater Science report describes the development and calibration of a panel of twelve of these markers into a tool that could be used to determine run timing proportions in Scottish Atlantic salmon populations.
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Juvenile Atlantic salmon - mapping the early running component: report
This Scottish Marine and Freshwater Science report describes the application of a genetic tool to estimate the early running component of juvenile Atlantic salmon. The proportions were mapped to visualise within and between-river patterns. These maps can be used to inform and help river managers achieve their conservation aims.
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Aithris Bhliadhnail air Plana Nàiseanta nan Eilean 2023
Gaelic version of the National Islands Plan annual report 2023
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Local living and 20 minute neighbourhoods: planning guidance
The guidance on local living and 20 minute neighbourhoods aims to encourage, promote and facilitate the application of the Place Principle and create connected and compact neighbourhoods which prioritise environmental, social and economic sustainability.
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Natural capital - market framework: engagement paper
This engagement paper summarises the key natural capital market framework co -development issues and questions that will be explored. The content will be used to help inform, guide and support all participants during the engagement and co-development process.
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Asian hornet: pest-specific contingency plan
This plan sets out the role of the Scottish Government in response to a suspected or confirmed incursion of the Asian hornet (Vespa velutina nigrithorax) within Scotland: the actions to be taken as well as governance, roles and responsibilities.
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Biodiversity - meeting our '30 by 30' commitment on terrestrial and freshwater sites: consultation
Consultation paper seeking views on legislative proposals which will support the implementation of the '30 by 30' biodiversity commitment, and are potentially to be included within a natural environment Bill.
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National Islands Plan: annual report 2023
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 2023 reporting year.
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Environment Strategy: progress report - March 2024
Progress report on the development of the Environment Strategy, as required by section 47 of the UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Continuity) (Scotland) Act 2021.
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Agriculture and Rural Communities Bill
Supporting sustainable farming and crofting.
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Wild salmon strategy implementation plan progress report: 2023-2024
A progress report setting out the progress towards delivering the actions in the wild salmon strategy implementation plan in 2023/24 to protect and restore wild salmon populations.
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Facilitating marine nature restoration through legislation: consultation
We are consulting on legislative proposals which would enable Scottish Ministers to introduce a registration process for marine nature restoration projects, and apply Marine Conservation Orders to habitats and species undergoing restoration and standalone European marine sites.
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Land Reform Bill
Transfer test to become part of large rural landholding sales.
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Community Right to Buy
Review of powers of communities to acquire land or buildings.
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Rural and island community support
Spring Budget needs to invest in environment and food production.
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Goose management policy review 2022
Update on progress in delivering goose management policies. this sets out proposals to refresh policies for delivery of goose management over the next 5 to 10 years and highlights emerging issues that will require actions in the medium to longer term.
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The Environment Strategy for Scotland: Delivering the Environment Strategy Outcome on Scotland's Global Footprint - Evidence Base & Policy Levers
This report presents evidence and initial recommendations on how the Scottish Government could use the available policy levers to help ensure Scotland’s international environmental impact is sustainable.
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The Environment Strategy for Scotland: Driving the Transition to a Nature Positive Economy - A Synthesis of Policy Levers for Governments
This report supports the research project ‘Delivering the Environment Strategy Outcome on Scotland’s Economy: Evidence base and Policy levers’. It focuses on the transition to a nature positive economy, summarises key evidence, and presents a synthesis of potential actions.
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The Environment Strategy for Scotland: Reducing Scotland's International Environmental Impact - Learning from International Best Practices
This report supports the research project ‘Delivering the Environment Strategy Outcome on Scotland’s Global Footprint: Evidence Base and Policy Levers’. It summarises examples of international best practice in relation to policy levers for achieving a sustainable global footprint.
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The Environment Strategy for Scotland: Delivering the Environment Strategy Outcome on Scotland's Economy - Evidence Base & Policy Levers
This report presents evidence and initial recommendations on how the Scottish Government could use the available policy levers to support the transformations in Scotland’s economy needed to help tackle the climate and nature emergencies.
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Climate change - national adaptation plan 2024 to 2029: consultation
The effects of climate change are already being felt by people in Scotland. That is why, as well as taking action to reduce emissions, we must also take steps to adapt to climate change. This consultation seeks your views on the Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024 to 2029.
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Climate change - national adaptation plan 2024 to 2029: consultation - easy read
The impacts of climate change are already being felt by people in Scotland. That is why, as well as taking action to reduce emissions, we must also take steps to adapt to climate change. This is an easy-read version of the consultation on the Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024 to 2029.
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Scotland's International Strategy
This strategy sets out our approach to international engagement and delivery to the end of the current parliamentary term.
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Am Plana Nàiseanta airson Dùthaich a tha Math a Thaobh Biadh: Sgrìobhainn Chochomhairleachaidh
This consultation covers the content of the national Good Food Nation Plan. It seeks views on the Outcomes; ways of measuring progress; and how different groups envision life in a Good Food Nation. It also seeks views on specified functions. This is a Gaelic translation of the consultation.
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Geàrr-iomradh air a' Phlana Nàiseanta airson Dùthaich a tha Math a Thaobh Biadh
The national Good Food Nation Plan sets out six over-arching Outcomes; the range of targets and indicators that will be used to gauge progress towards achieving them; and details of food-related policies and initiatives from across the Scottish Government. This is a Gaelic summary of the Plan.
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National Good Food Nation Plan: consultation - easy read
Easy read version of our consultation on the national Good Food Nation Plan, which sets out the Government's goals for food and how we will achieve them.
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National Good Food Nation Plan
The national Good Food Nation Plan sets out six over-arching Outcomes for a Good Food Nation; the range of targets and indicators that will be used to gauge progress towards achieving them; and details of a wide range of food-related policies and initiatives from across the Scottish Government.
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National Good Food Nation Plan: consultation
We are consulting on the first national Good Food Nation Plan. We are seeking views on the national Good Food Nation Outcomes, ways of measuring progress and how different groups envision life in a Good Food Nation. It also seeks views on specified functions.
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Circular economy and waste route map to 2030: consultation
The route map sets out strategic direction for delivering our system-wide, comprehensive vision Scotland’s circular economy from now to 2030. Building on a first consultation (2022), we are consulting on key priority actions that will unlock progress across the waste hierarchy.
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Circular economy and waste route map to 2030: strategic environmental assessment - environmental report
Environmental report relating to our consultation on key priority actions that will unlock progress across the waste hierarchy.
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Ro-innleachd airson Saidheans Mara is Ùrghnàthachadh
’S e seo an Ro-innleachd ùr airson Saidheans Mara is Ùr-ghnàthachadh aig Riaghaltas na h-Alba. Tha i a’ cur amasan an cèill airson saidheans mara agus ùr-ghnàthachadh ann an Alba agus a’ stèidheachadh sia builean gus barrachd bhuannachdan fhaighinn bho ar n-obair saidheans, fianais agus dàta.
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Marine science and innovation strategy
Establishes the vision for marine science and innovation in Scotland and six outcomes to strengthen the impact of marine science, evidence and data.
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Managing deer for climate and nature: consultation
We are consulting on proposals to modernise the legislation which governs deer management in Scotland and ensure it is fit for purpose in the context of the biodiversity and climate crises, alongside a small number of proposals concerned with farmed and kept deer.
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Biodiversity: draft planning guidance
Sets out expectations for implementing and delivering National Planning Framework (NPF) 4 policies which support the cross-cutting NPF4 outcome 'improving biodiversity'.
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Natural capital: economic benefits assessment
Outlines new economic analysis that quantifies the likely economic impacts, measured as output and jobs created, from hypothetical cross-sector regional and national programmes of natural capital investment in Scotland.
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Scottish Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) consultation: Scottish Government response
Our response to the public consultation on the proposal to designate 10% of Scottish seas as Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) by 2026.
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Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs): consultation analysis - final report
Analysis report on the responses to the consultation on Scottish Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) which ran from 12 December 2022 to 17 April 2023.
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Automated video identification of marine species (AVIMS) - new application: report
A commissioned report on the development of a web-based computer application for machine learning-based (semi-)automated analysis of underwater video footage obtained during the monitoring of aquatic environments.
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Land use strategy: fourth annual progress report 2022-2023
Fourth annual progress report on Scotland's land use strategy, as required under Section 37A of The Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Act 2019. It covers the period of March 2022 to March 2023.
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How much do people in Scotland value characteristics of marine and coastal areas
This report summarises the results of a choice experiment survey that was designed to capture the preferences of Scottish people towards the management of marine and coastal areas in Scotland.
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Offshore wind - birds on migration in Scottish waters: strategic review
A report detailing the migratory routes of bird species around the UK and Ireland which have the potential to be impacted by offshore wind developments. This forms part of the strategic study of collision risk for birds on migration and further development of the stochastic collision risk modelling tool work package one.
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Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) for the Agricultural Tenancies proposals Environmental Report
SEA is a systematic process for evaluating the environmental consequences of proposed plans, strategies, or programmes. This Report accompanies the Agricultural Tenancies proposals, within the Land Reform Bill.
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Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) for the Small Landholdings and Land Use Tenancy Proposals Environmental Report
SEA is a systematic process for evaluating the environmental consequences of proposed plans, strategies, or programmes. This Report accompanies the Small Landholding and Land Use Tenancy proposals, within the Land Reform Bill.
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Understanding seabird behaviour at sea part 2: improved estimates of collision risk model parameters
Report detailing research using GPS tags to track Scottish seabirds at sea.
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Offshore wind energy - sectoral marine plan: seabird tagging feasibility
How to undertake a seabird tagging study for species and colonies potentially impacted by the sectoral marine plan for offshore wind energy
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Agricultural tenancies, small landholdings and land use tenancy proposals: strategic environmental assessment - consultation
This consultation provides you with the opportunity to examine the environmental impact of our proposed changes to agricultural tenancies, small landholdings, and the new land use tenancy.
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New National Parks: nominations guidance and appraisal framework
Information on the nomination process for the New National Park(s) project, including links to all key documents for nominating groups.
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Spread of invasive species into Scotland: study
A horizon scanning study involving analysis of pathways of spread of invasive non-native species into Scotland. It considers species having the highest likelihood of arrival and establishment and the magnitude of their potential negative impact on biodiversity and ecosystems over the next 10 years.
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Out to Play - caring for our outdoor spaces
Guidance to make the most of the outdoor spaces your early learning and childcare settings use and caring for the environment through embedding Learning for Sustainability. This guidance supports practitioners to provide high quality outdoor play experiences.
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New National Parks - appraisal framework: consultation analysis
Consultation analysis report on the draft appraisal framework criteria for new National Parks.
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Future of National Parks: strategic environmental assessment - environmental report
This environmental report is part of the strategic environmental assessment for the future of National Parks in Scotland.
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Measuring biodiversity: research into approaches
This report considers methodologies for measuring biodiversity at site-level for use in Scotland.
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Developing Nature Networks
Additional £5 million from Nature Restoration Fund to enhance biodiversity.
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New legal targets proposed for nature recovery
Further action to tackle the biodiversity crisis.
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Tackling the Nature Emergency - strategic framework for biodiversity: consultation
A consultation on Scotland’s Strategic Framework for Biodiversity, including the first 5-year Delivery Plan for the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy, and elements of the proposed Natural Environment Bill.
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Biodiversity strategy and delivery plan: strategic environmental assessment
Strategic environmental assessment (SEA) for the Scottish biodiversity strategy and delivery plan.
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Tackling the Nature Emergency - Scottish biodiversity strategy to 2045
Following consultation on the draft Strategy in 2022, this is the updated version of the Scottish biodiversity strategy to 2045: Tackling the Nature Emergency in Scotland, which takes into account responses to that consultation.
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Biodiversity strategy: consultation analysis
Consultation summary and response on the Scottish biodiversity strategy.
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Environment - guiding principles: statutory guidance
This guidance provides information on how officials across government should apply the environmental principles when developing policy.
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Environment - guiding principles consultation: statutory guidance – Parliamentary statement and analysis report
As required by section 18(4) of the UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Continuity) (Scotland) Act 2021 the Scottish Government has provided a parliamentary statement and an analysis report on the consultation on Scotland’s Guiding Principles on the Environment: Statutory Guidance.
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Salmon fishing - proposed river gradings for 2024 season: consultation
We are seeking views on the proposed river gradings for the 2024 salmon fishing season, which have been calculated from the annual assessment of the conservation status of wild Atlantic salmon in rivers across Scotland.
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Vision for sustainable aquaculture: island communities impact assessment
Island communities impact assessment for the vision for sustainable aquaculture.
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Vision for sustainable aquaculture
The Vision for sustainable aquaculture describes the Scottish Government’s long-term aspirations to 2045 for the finfish, shellfish and seaweed farming sectors, and the wider aquaculture supply chain.
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Vision for sustainable aquaculture: child rights and wellbeing screening sheet
Child rights and wellbeing screening sheet for the Vision for sustainable aquaculture
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National Islands Plan review: consultation
We are consulting on a review of the National Islands Plan, published in 2019. This review is required by the Islands (Scotland) Act 2018. We are seeking views on the impact and content of the current National Islands Plan.
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NHS Scotland - climate emergency and sustainability: annual report 2021 to 2022
Report for 2021 to 2022 providing information on; greenhouse gas emissions arising from the operations of NHS Scotland, actions which have been taken or are underway to reduce NHS Scotland’s greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impact, and actions to adapt to climate change.
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National Islands Plan: implementation route map 2023
Details how we will deliver on the commitments in the National Islands Plan, over the coming year.
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Clyde cod spawning closure Spring 2024/25: consultation
Since 2001, a specific area in the Firth of Clyde has been closed to fishing each year between 14 February and 30 April in order to protect spawning cod. This consultation is seeking views on the continuation of this closure for 2024 and 2025.
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Clyde cod spawning closure: business and regulatory impact assessment - partial
This partial business and regulatory impact assessment (BRIA) sits alongside the consultation document on the Clyde cod spawning closure for 2024/25. The BRIA will be finalised after the consultation period, allowing information collected during the consultation to feed into the assessment.
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National Litter and Flytipping Strategy
The National Litter and Flytipping Strategy sets out a refreshed approach to tackling litter and flytipping in order to protect and enhance Scotland’s environment; ensure safer and cleaner communities and contribute to a thriving circular economy for Scotland.
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Litter and flytipping strategy: fairer Scotland duty summary
A summary of the fairer Scotland duty assessment undertaken for the national litter and flytipping strategy.
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Litter and flytipping strategy: final business and regulatory impact assessment
The results of the final business and regulatory impact assessment (BRIA) undertaken for the national litter and flytipping strategy.
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Litter and flytipping strategy: equality impact assessment
Results of the equality impact assessment (EQIA) undertaken for the national litter and flytipping strategy.
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Litter and flytipping strategy: strategic environment assessment - post adoption statement
A strategic environmental assessment post adoption statement setting out how responses to the assessment have been taken into account for the national litter and flytipping strategy.
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Litter and flytipping: scale and cost
This report updates data referenced in the previous National Litter Strategy (2014) on the scale and cost of litter and flytipping in Scotland to inform the national litter and flytipping strategy (2023).
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Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals: powers review - report
Report to the Minister for Environment and Land Reform on the review of Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Scottish SPCA) powers by the independent taskforce.
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Community Climate Action Hubs: response analysis
Scottish Government received 70 responses from third sector and community groups in response to the Climate Action Hub programme announced in 2020. Two pathfinder hubs were identified and the information was used to shape the programme.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Wildlife crime in Scotland: annual report 2021
The tenth wildlife crime annual report, with new data from the financial year 2020 to 2021.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Funding to help nature projects grow
Supporting and scaling up responsible investment in nature.
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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.
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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.
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A nature positive Scotland
Scotland’s strategy to tackle the nature emergency.
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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.
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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.
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Scotland leads global action for nature.
Environment Minister welcomes international support for Edinburgh Declaration.
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Accelerating action to tackle nature and climate crises
More funding to support biodiversity projects.
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Transformative change to protect Scotland’s nature
Ambitious proposals to halt biodiversity loss.
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Protecting and enhancing nature
More funding for local nature restoration projects.
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Scottish Natural Capital Accounts 2022
This report estimates quantity and value of services supplied by Scotland's natural capital.
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Blue Economy Vision launch
Move to make Scotland a global leader in marine management.
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New species of soft coral discovered in Scottish waters
Find underlines importance of biodiversity.
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Big ambitions for Wee Forests
Connecting people and nature.
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Showcasing agricultural climate action
Peer to peer network to launch.
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Expanded funding to restore and protect nature
£55 million for nature restoration and biodiversity projects.
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California signs Scotland’s world-leading nature declaration
Governments and cities encouraged to take action for nature at COP26.
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Conserving wild salmon
More than £500,000 to study the pressures faced from pollution and climate change.
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30% of Scotland’s land to be protected for nature
Next steps on tackling biodiversity loss published.
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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.
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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
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International declaration agreed
Calls for global biodiversity action at all levels.
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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.
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Scottish climate change adaptation programme 2019-2024: strategic environmental assessment
This SEA investigates the likely significant effects on the environment.
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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.
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Boost for bees and butterflies
Ten-year plan to stop decline of pollinating insects.
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Biodiversity duty reporting: guidance
This guidance has been superseded by guidance at https://www.nature.scot/guidance-note-biodiversity-duty-explained.
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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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