Scottish Biodiversity Strategy: report to Parliament 2017 to 2019

Preface

This is the fifth report detailing progress on the implementation of the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy. It covers the period 2017 to 2019. The Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 requires a report on the implementation of the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy to be laid in Parliament at the end of every three year period following its adoption. Previous progress reports were laid in 2007, 2010, 2014 and 2017.

The report was compiled by Scottish Natural Heritage on behalf of the Scottish Government. An agreed set of biodiversity and engagement indicators are used to describe progress resulting from the actions and projects implemented by many agencies, organizations, businesses and individuals across the whole of Scotland's land and sea.

Most of the indicators and data referenced here have been published elsewhere. This report provides a synthesis and overview of progress over the last three years, and looks ahead to emerging ambition for biodiversity post-2020.

Many agencies, organisations and individuals have contributed information used in this report, with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), Marine Scotland, and Scottish Forestry providing up to date data as well as specialist quality assurance.