Future of National Parks: strategic environmental assessment - environmental report

1. Introduction

Background

1.1 AECOM has been commissioned to undertake an independent Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) to inform The Future of National Parks in Scotland (hereafter referred to as "the Future of National Parks proposals"), on behalf of The Scottish Government.

1.2 SEA is a systematic process for evaluating the likely significant environmental effects of proposed plans, strategies, or programmes to ensure environmental issues are fully integrated and addressed at the earliest appropriate stage of plan-making.

1.3 This Environmental Report, which is the main output of the SEA process, accompanies the Future of National Parks proposals for consultation between September and November 2023.

The Future of National Parks in Scotland

1.4 Scotland has ambitious targets and priorities to meet the climate and nature emergencies, including a commitment to protect at least 30% of Scotland's land and sea for nature by 2030 (30x30 Target)^[1] and a target date for net zero emissions^[2] of all greenhouse gases by 2045.

1.5 Within this context, Scottish Ministers wish to see Scotland's National Parks as special places for wildlife and biodiversity that will actively support nature recovery and the transformational change needed to achieve a just transition to net zero in Scotland.

1.6 In recognition of this, the Scottish Government has committed to designate at least one new National Park in Scotland by 2026. Given it is 20 years since Scotland's first two National Parks were created at Loch Lomond and the Trossachs and the Cairngorms, Scottish Ministers also wish to review the role of Scotland's National Parks^[3].

1.7 In the period since there has been an increased recognition of National Parks' role in addressing the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change, with a refreshed purpose of Scotland's National Parks being seen as essential if they are to provide leadership for nature recovery and contribute to a just transition to a nature positive and net zero Scotland. National Parks are also seen as having a key leadership role in the implementation of the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy^[4], and delivery of the 30x30, Nature Networks and net zero commitments.

Objectives and content of the proposals

1.8 The Scottish Government is progressing proposals for:

• The establishment of a new National Park(s) in Scotland, including draft proposed appraisal criteria for site selection.
• Potential changes to the governance arrangements for existing and new National Parks; and
• Potential amendments to the aims, purpose, and powers of existing and new National Parks.

1.9 The overall objective of the proposals is to further The Scottish Government's commitments to: protect and restore nature; tackle climate change; and promote sustainable land use.

1.10 Key facts relating to The Future of National Parks in Scotland proposals are set out below:

Responsible authority: The Scottish Government

Title of plan: The Future of National Parks in Scotland

Subject: Natural Environment

Purpose: To strengthen the leadership role of Scotland's National Parks for nature recovery and just transition to net zero. National Parks are also expected to make an important contribution towards the commitment to protect 30% of Scotland's land for nature by 2030.

Area covered by the plan : Scotland. Scotland's existing National Parks are located in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, and the Cairngorms. The location of a further National Park(s) will be shaped by the proposals currently being developed.

Summary of content: The Scottish Government is progressing proposals for establishing a new National Park(s) in Scotland, including draft proposed evaluation criteria for site selection, potential changes to the governance arrangements for existing and new National Parks, and potential amendments to the aims, purpose, and powers of existing and new National Parks. The main objective of the proposals is to further The Scottish Government's commitments to: protect and restore nature; tackle climate change; and promote sustainable land use.

Contact point: Nick Breslin, Project Lead: New National Park(s) Biodiversity Team, Nature Division, Scottish Government. Email address: nationalparks@gov.scot

Current stage of development for The Future of National Parks in Scotland

1.11 In May 2022, The Scottish Government held an initial public dialogue exercise^[5] on the Future of National Parks proposals. This consultation sought views and ideas on the role that National Parks can play in helping to restore nature, tackle climate change, promote sustainable land use and support public and community wellbeing^[6]. Following this, NatureScot (a key organisation involved with the protection and enhancement of Scotland's natural environment) was asked to lead a further public consultation with a wide range of stakeholders who have an interest in Scotland's National Parks in order to provide advice to Scottish Ministers^[7].

1.12 These consultations have shown that many people want to see new National Parks in Scotland. They also highlighted the important leadership role of National Parks in tackling the interlinked crises of climate change and biodiversity loss, whilst also welcoming visitors and supporting local communities and businesses.

1.13 The responses received have informed the development of a draft appraisal framework and selection criteria which will be used to appraise nominations received and identify where Scotland's next new National Park(s) will be located. Based on appraisal of the nominations, Scottish Ministers will determine the area(s) to progress to National Park designation. Since May 2023, individuals, groups, or organisations interested in submitting a nomination for a new National Park(s) have been invited to register their interest^[8].

1.14 This Environmental Report, which is the main output of the SEA process, accompanies the Future of National Park proposals. A public consultation on 'New National Parks in Scotland - Nomination process and draft appraisal framework' took place from May to August 2023. A public consultation on proposed legislative changes to the aims, functions, powers and governance of National Parks in Scotland will take place from September to November 2023.