Biodiversity strategy and delivery plan: strategic environmental assessment

3. Scope of the SEA

What is the scope of the SEA?

SEA Scoping Report

3.1 The Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005 requires that: "Before deciding on the scope and level of detail of the information to be included in the environmental report to be prepared in accordance with section 14; the responsible authority shall send to each consultation authority such sufficient details of the qualifying plan or programme as will enable the consultation authority to form a view on those matters." In Scotland, the consultation bodies are Historic Environment Scotland, the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) and Scottish Natural Heritage (NatureScot).

3.2 These authorities were consulted on the scope of the emerging SBS through initial scoping and screening undertaken in early 2022, and a Combined Screening and Scoping Report was released to consultees in February 2022. Responses were received from Historic Environment Scotland, SEPA, and NatureScot in March 2022. Responses are detailed in Appendix A.

3.3 The authorities were further consulted on the scope of the SBS and Delivery Plan SEA in February 2023. This second Scoping Report provided an update to the 2022 iteration. Comments received on the Scoping Report (March 2023), and how they have been considered and addressed, are presented in Table 3.1 below.

Table 3.1 Scoping consultation responses March 2023

Consultation response: Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA):

We agree with the scope of the assessment and are satisfied with the proposed SEA assessment framework. We welcome the inclusion of table 1 outlining how initial scoping consultation responses have been considered. It is noted that reasonable alternatives will be identified as the strategy develops and will be presented in the ER.

Point 1 of section 5.5.5 should make it clear that the figures 2089 (64%) and 1164 (36%) are referring to water bodies.

We are satisfied with the proposed SEA assessment framework.

On completion, the Environmental Report and the strategy to which it relates should be submitted to the Scottish Government SEA Gateway (SEA_Gateway@gov.scot) which will forward it to the Consultation Authorities.

In this case we will not be providing a detailed assessment of the Environmental Report.

How the response was considered/addressed

Comment noted.

Baseline revised to clarify reference is being made to waterbodies.

Consultation response: Scotland’s Nature Agency (NatureScot):

NatureScot declares an interest in this strategy since we are closely involved in drafting the revision of the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy and the development of its Delivery Plan. This includes assisting Scottish Government with the scope and content of the strategy, and ultimately a commitment to implementing the strategy.

Due to our declared interest in this strategy we have considered our role as a Consultation Authority, in accordance with Section 15(2) of the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005. We consider that it would not be appropriate for NatureScot to comment on further stages in the SEA process as a Consultation Authority.

We note you have included our informal comments on the previous scoping report in Annex B.

Scope of assessment and level of detail

Subject to our declared interest, NatureScot is content with the scope and level of detail proposed for the Environmental Report.

Consultation period for the environmental report

We note that the duration of the period proposed for consultation on the Environmental Report has not been stated.

Concluding remarks

Although we are closely involved in the writing of the strategy and its delivery plan, and therefore consider it inappropriate for us to respond as a Consultation Authority, we would be happy to provide Scottish Government with any further advice in connection with the SEA of the revised Scottish Biodiversity Strategy and Delivery Plan.

How the response was considered/addressed

Comments noted.

Consultation response: Historic Environment Scotland:

It is our understanding that the new Scottish Biodiversity Strategy and Delivery Plan will comprise both a high-level Strategy and Delivery Plan and is likely to be structured around a set of high-level outcomes for a range of land use types and marine environments.

We note that the historic environment has been scoped into the assessment.

On the basis of the information provided, we are content with this approach and are satisfied with the scope and level of detail proposed for the assessment, subject to the detailed comments provided below.

Assessment questions

You may wish to specifically refer to historic battlefields, gardens and designed landscapes and historic marine protected areas within the proposed assessment questions. These are generally larger landscape / seascape scale types of historic environment asset which are an important element of the interactions between the historic environment and biodiversity.

Consultation period for the Environmental Report

We are content with the 12-week period proposed for consultation on the Strategy and Delivery and associated Environmental Report. Please note that, for administrative purposes, we consider that the consultation period commences on receipt of the relevant documents by the SEA Gateway.

How the response was considered/addressed

Comments noted.

Assessment questions revised to include reference to historic battlefields, gardens and designated landscapes, and historic marine protected areas.

Content of the Scoping Report

3.4 Developing the draft scope for the SEA as presented in the Scoping Report has involved the following steps:

• Exploring the policy context for the SBS & Delivery Plan and SEA to summarise the key messages arising.
• Establishing the baseline for the SEA (i.e., the current and future situation in the area in the absence of the SBS & Delivery Plan to help identify the Strategy's likely significant effects.
• Identifying particular problems or opportunities ('issues') that should be a particular focus of the SEA; and
• Considering this information, developing an SEA framework comprising SEA objectives and assessment questions, which can then be used as a guiding framework for the subsequent assessment.

3.5 Given the strategic and national level focus of the SBS, all environmental topic areas have been scoped into the SEA (see Table 3.2 overleaf).

Table 3.2 Scoping of SEA topics

SEA topic	Scoped In
Climatic factors	√
Biodiversity, flora and fauna	√
Population and human health	√
Soil	√
Water	√
Air quality	√
Cultural heritage	√
Material assets	√
Landscape	√

Key issues for the SBS and SEA Framework

3.6 Drawing on the review of the sustainability context and baseline, the SEA Scoping Report identified a range of sustainability issues that should be a particular focus of SEA, ensuring it remains targeted on the most important issues. These key issues are presented below by SEA topic heading.

3.7 Detailed baseline information (including the context review and baseline data) is presented in Appendix A.

Biodiversity, flora, and fauna

3.8 Almost ¼ of Scotland's protected sites are in unfavourable condition. Future development, and subsequently increased recreational disturbance could lead to further deterioration of sites, potentially leading to habitat fragmentation and loss. Habitat loss could impact on wider biodiversity networks, with the potential to lead to changes in the distribution and abundance of species and changes to the composition of habitats. This is likely to be exacerbated by the effects of climate change.

3.9 Biodiversity has the potential to be impacted by pollution. Trends of poor air quality and water quality can impact ecological sites, and factors such as noise and lighting can disturb vulnerable species.

3.10 Without further protection, Scotland's marine and terrestrial environment are likely to be impacted by both natural and human activities. It is therefore important to safeguard these ecosystems, alongside positive management to deliver clean, healthy, safe, productive and biologically diverse environments that meet the long term needs of people and nature.

Climatic factors

3.11 Continued human activities such as industrialisation, deforestation, and large-scale agriculture will likely further contribute towards increased GHG concentration in the atmosphere. Future changes in the climate has the potential to lead to an increased loss of certain habitats and species, or species migration and breeding.

3.12 Domestic transport is the largest contributor to emissions in Scotland and continues to be a key challenge nationally. Road transport account for a significant proportion of emissions, and it is considered that without intervention this trend is likely to continue.

3.13 Recognising that climate change and biodiversity loss are twin crises that should be tacked together, strategy interventions should include nature-based solutions. This includes woodland creation and peatland restoration, which can reduce emissions and help adapt to the impacts of climate change. Areas under agriculture, fisheries and aquaculture, and forestry can be managed more sustainably to reduce emissions while improving productivity and resilience of ecosystems.

3.14 Flood risk within Scotland has the potential to further intensify, with trends predicting a warmer, wetter climate. Healthy biodiversity can help prevent and mitigate flooding, with nature networks delivering flood alleviation for people and homes, amongst other benefits.

Air

3.15 Continued poor air quality in parts of Scotland (i.e. reflecting the presence of numerous AQMAs) can lead to the deterioration of ecosystems, impacting the use of habitats by animals, as well as more broadly impacting animal and human health.

3.16 It will be important to maintain and enhance nature's contributions to regulation of air quality for all, recognising the co-benefits that can be provided for biodiversity, human health, and climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Water

3.17 The condition of Scotland's water environments vary throughout the country, with only 66% in good overall condition. The trend of localised areas of low water quality has the potential to continue, particularly given existing pressures such as urbanisation, invasive non-native species, intensive agriculture/aquaculture and climate change. More broadly, climate change is expected to lead to increases in water scarcity, flood risk, and to increase the risk of non-native species spreading and becoming established in water environments.

3.18 Groundwater quality also has the potential to be impacted by diffuse pollution from rural sources, discharges from industries such as mining and quarrying, and agriculture irrigation.

3.19 As an essential resource, it will be important to tackle issues identified above, restoring ecosystems and ensuring connectivity among them.

Soil

3.20 The quality and function of Scottish soils is likely to continue to face pressure, predominately from climate change and land management practices. Improved farmland practices has the potential to regenerate and restore soil and ecosystem health, and reduce carbon emissions, benefiting both people and the environment.

Cultural heritage

3.21 The continued preservation of historic sites and landscapes will likely ensure the continued preservation of associated local habitats and species. Wildlife can continue to support conservation initiatives, which will in turn lead to protection from development and agricultural improvement.

3.22 Larger sites will likely contribute to wildlife corridors, particularly where this includes linear features that are afforded protection at the international, national or local level.

3.23 Despite higher level policy protections, it is recognised that future pressures on the historic environment (namely development and climate change) could negatively affect historic character and setting, detract from settlement qualities, and disrupt viewpoints.

3.24 There are opportunities to support biodiversity through the sustainable production of traditional materials.

Landscape and geodiversity

3.25 There is the potential for Scotland's landscapes to experience further degradation in response to climate change, development pressure, and shift towards monoculture. Greatest changes in this respect are likely to occur in lowland and coastal areas where human population is highest.

3.26 The generation of energy, including on and offshore windfarms, may also adversely impact landscapes, geodiversity, and seascapes. However conversely, land management changes such as increasing hedgerows and woodland expansion could positively impact Scotland's landscapes, supporting functional connectivity.

3.27 More broadly, it is considered that the delivery of 'Nature networks' across Scotland's landscapes will likely underpin resilience and health of species and habitats, supporting diversity and distinctiveness.

Material assets

3.28 In terms of Scotland's natural and built assets, it is considered that climate change is likely to have the greatest impact on performance and longevity. Increased, and extreme, periods of flooding could negatively impact upon infrastructure performance, alongside extreme heat and occurrences of water scarcity.

3.29 There is likely to be an increasing pressure on green and blue infrastructure, in respect of both accessibility and function. Investing in blue and green infrastructure, notably Scotland's forests and woodlands can contribute to reduced GHG emissions while also providing spaces for people to enjoy.

Population and human health

3.30 As the overall population continues to rise, some local authorities will see a population decrease. Opportunities should be sought to spatially target these areas to support new green infrastructure provision or contributions that improve accessibility and reduce deprivation. This will likely support investment in the area, which will in turn support population increase.

3.31 Climate change poses a wide range of potential effects on human health. It is expected that climate change's potential risks and benefits to population and health will not be evenly distributed. Biodiversity can be used as a tool to regenerate and drive a healthy economy and society, playing a key role in addressing climate change.

3.32 The quality of Scotland's green spaces will likely continue to decline as users decline, without intervention to deliver improvements. Access to green and blue infrastructure should be improved where possible, recognising the significant and numerous health benefits that nature provides.

SEA Framework

3.33 The key sustainability issues for the SBS & Delivery Plan, as set out above, have been translated into an SEA 'framework' of objectives and assessment questions.

3.34 The SEA Framework, which has been tailored for the SBS & Delivery Plan, provides a way in which the sustainability effects of the SBS & Delivery Plan and alternatives can be identified and subsequently analysed based on a structured and consistent approach.

3.35 The SEA Framework and the assessment findings in this Environmental Report have been presented under nine SEA topics, as identified in Table 3.2 above.

3.36 The SEA Framework is presented in Table 3.3 below.

Table 3.3 SEA Framework for the SEA of the SBS and Delivery Plan

Biodiversity, fauna, and flora:

SEA objective:

Support the integrity of internationally, nationally and locally designated sites

Assessment questions (will the proposal help to…):

• Protect the integrity of internationally, nationally, and locally designated sites in Scotland?
• Manage the pressures on designated sites for biodiversity, fauna and flora in Scotland?
• Expand and connect protected areas and improve their condition?

SEA objective:

Protect and enhance habitats and species in Scotland

Assessment questions (will the proposal help to…):

• Protect and enhance priority habitats, and the habitat of priority species?
• Recover and protect vulnerable and important species?
• Protect and enhance ecological networks and connectivity, supporting restoration and regeneration?
• Improve resilience in coastal and marine systems?

SEA objective:

Enhance understanding of biodiversity, fauna and flora

Assessment questions (will the proposal help to…):

• Support access to, interpretation and understanding of biodiversity?
• Encourage opportunities for engagement with biodiversity?

Climatic factors:

SEA objective:

Support the resilience of Scotland's biodiversity to the potential effects of climate change, including flooding

Assessment questions (will the proposal help to…):

• Support productive forests and woodlands to deliver increased biodiversity and habitat connectivity whilst sustaining timber production and carbon sequestration?
• Support species recovery, reintroduction and reinforcement to help prevent the extinction of species threatened by the effects of climate change?
• Effectively manage existing and emerging pressures associated with climate change to improve the conservation status of marine biology?
• Increase investment in nature restoration?
• Improve and extend green infrastructure networks, supporting an extensive suite of connected protected areas?
• Support resilience through protecting and restoring biodiversity features such as ponds, hedges and wildflower margins?
• Reinforce the role of biodiversity in helping to prevent, mitigate and adapt to flood risk?

SEA objective:

Promote climate change mitigation

Assessment questions (will the proposal help to…):

• Support access to and improvement of green infrastructure to promote the use of sustainable modes of transport, including walking and cycling?
• Support continued opportunities to provide renewable energy?
• Support nature-based solutions for emissions reductions, such as woodland creation and peatland restoration?

Air:

SEA objective:

Maintain and enhance air quality

Assessment questions (will the proposal help to…):

• Maintain and enhance the contribution of healthy ecosystems to regulation of air quality?
• Support nitrogen use efficiency?

SEA objective:

Maintain and enhance water quality

Assessment questions (will the proposal help to…):

• Maintain and enhance the contribution of healthy ecosystems to quality and quantity of water?

Water:

SEA objective:

Maintain and enhance water quality

Assessment questions (will the proposal help to…):

• Maintain and enhance the contribution of healthy ecosystems to quality and quantity of water?

Soil:

SEA objective:

Maintain and enhance soil quality

Assessment questions (will the proposal help to…):

• Maintain and enhance the contribution of healthy ecosystems to quality and quantity of soil?

Cultural heritage:

SEA objective:

Conserve and enhance Scotland's historic environment, including designated and non-designated heritage assets

Assessment questions (will the proposal help to…):

• Conserve and enhance the significance of buildings, structures and features of architectural or historic interest, both designated and non-designated, and their setting?
• Support the management objectives of Scotland's World Heritage Sites as stated within the relevant World Heritage Site Management Plans and Site Supplementary Planning Guidance, and the sites Outstanding University Value?
• Conserve and enhance the special interest, character and appearance of conservation areas and their settings?
• Conserve and enhance the special interest, character and appearance of Historic Marine Protected Areas and their settings?
• Protect and where possible, enhance the wider historic environment, including historic battlefields, gardens and designated landscapes?

SEA objective:

Conserve and enhance Scotland's archaeological resource

Assessment questions (will the proposal help to…):

• Conserve and enhance Scotland's archaeological resource, including features listed on the National Record of the Historic Environment?

SEA objective:

Promote opportunities for enhancing the understanding of Scotland's distinct historic environment

Assessment questions (will the proposal help to…):

• Support access to, interpretation and understanding of the historic evolution and character of the environment?

Landscape and geodiversity:

SEA objective:

Conserve and enhance the special qualities and integrity of nationally protected landscapes in Scotland

Assessment questions (will the proposal help to…):

• Support the management objectives as stated within the Management Plans for Scotland's NSA and National Parks?
• Protect the special qualities of the NSAs and National Parks?

SEA objective:

Protect and enhance the character and quality of Scotland's landscapes, cityscapes, townscapes and villagescapes

Assessment questions (will the proposal help to…):

• Protect and enhance key landscape, cityscape, townscape and villagescape features which contribute to local distinctiveness?
• Protect locally important viewpoints contributing to sense of place and visual amenity?
• Improve understanding of Scotland's distinctive landscape, cityscape, townscape and villagescape resources?

SEA objective:

Protect and enhance geodiversity.

Assessment questions (will the proposal help to…):

• Protect and enhance geodiversity and support enhanced understanding of Scotland's geodiversity resource?

Material assets:

SEA objective:

To reduce pressure on, and enhance sustainable use of, natural resources.

Assessment questions (will the proposal help to…):

• Support the expansion of Scotland's forests and woodlands?
• Affect the integrity of waste management infrastructure within Scotland?
• Support the reinvigoration of areas of previously developed land, or vacant/ underutilised land?
• Enhance the role of ecosystems for supporting the regulation and provisioning of water resources, including relating to water supply and quality?

Population and human health:

SEA objective:

Drive a sustainable economy and support thriving communities.

Assessment questions (will the proposal help to…):

• Support green jobs and economic opportunities?
• Reduce pollution (from all sources) to levels that are not harmful to human health?
• Deliver nature-rich environments close to all communities?

SEA objective:

Improve the health and wellbeing of Scotland's residents

Assessment questions (will the proposal help to…):

• Maintain or enhance the quality of life of local residents?
• Reduce pollution (from all sources) to levels that are not harmful to human health?
• Increase the area of, access to, and benefits from green and blue spaces, for human health and wellbeing in urban areas and other densely populated areas?