Scottish Biodiversity Strategy to 2045

Ministerial Foreword

Dr Alasdair Allan
Acting Minister for Climate Action

There is international consensus around the urgent need to act decisively to address the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change together. Just like climate change, the loss of species and degradation of our natural environment is an existential threat to humanity. And just like climate change, the action needed is both urgent and transformative. That’s why the Scottish Government is clear that this is an emergency that requires a swift and energetic response.

This Strategy articulates a vision for a future where Scotland’s natural environment is restored and is supporting thriving communities and wildlife alike, proposes outcomes and key objectives that will set us on the path to deliver this vision, and establishes the architecture needed for the cross-government delivery and the deep collaboration we need with partners, stakeholders and land managers. Tackling the nature emergency is a long-term endeavour, and it will not be achieved within the lifetime of any single Parliamentary term. We are therefore putting in place a range of vital measures to ensure that this Strategy will continue to be relevant, and direct the delivery of the lasting outcomes for biodiversity that we need to see in Scotland, whatever the political complexion of future governments.

At the heart of this Strategy is collaboration. No one can tackle the nature emergency alone, and I want to thank the many stakeholders, including farmers, other land managers, marine industries, their representatives, and individuals who have engaged with the development of this Strategy. I look forward to working together and supporting each other to deliver the change we need to see.

The nature emergency is a global emergency and so this partnership needs to extend beyond our borders. That’s why I am committed to working with partners across the UK, EU and the world to support progress in protecting and restoring nature wherever it is.

This Strategy was first published in draft during the COP15 meeting of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity in Montreal, Canada: the pivotal meeting which agreed the new Global Biodiversity Framework. On behalf of the United Nations, the Scottish Government had secured the support of over 300 sub-national governments, countries, regions and cities around the world for the Edinburgh Declaration. Scotland had the privilege of presenting the outcome of that process at COP15, calling for a high ambition outcome, and securing recognition of the role of sub-national governments of countries, regions and cities in delivering for biodiversity in the new Global Biodiversity Framework.

This final version reflects the agreement made at COP15 and is published alongside a delivery plan, which sets out a detailed action plan for the whole of government that will guide our work to tackle the nature emergency over the coming years. The First Ministers’ address at COP16 reiterated the critical importance of a collaborative, whole-of-government approach to nature restoration.