Scotland's Biodiversity Progress to 2020 Aichi Targets - Final Report

Published: 2021  

This is the final report on Scotland's progress towards meeting the  Convention on Biological Diversity Aichi 2020 Targets. It is a summary, providing comparisons with the EU as a whole and with all the assessments reported by signatories of the CBD. A case study is given for each target to highlight a relevant success story. These case studies frequently show partners working together to promote and enhance biodiversity. We have assessed Scotland as having met nine of the twenty targets. Progress has been made on the remaining eleven, but was insufficient to meet the target by 2020. Even where targets have been met, the pressures on biodiversity remain.

Summary

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) set 20 global targets, known as the Aichi Targets, to be met by 2020. This is the final report on Scotland’s progress towards meeting these targets. It is a summary, providing comparisons with the EU as a whole and with all the assessments reported by signatories of the CBD. A case study is given for each target to highlight a relevant success story. These case studies frequently show partners working together to promote and enhance biodiversity. The previous reports, for 2016 and 2017 and 2019, cover the detail behind the assessments. The UK is a signatory to the CBD and submitted a full report in March 2019, which included progress on each Aichi Target.

We have assessed Scotland as having met nine of the twenty targets. Progress has been made on the remaining eleven, but was insufficient to meet the target by 2020. Even where targets have been met, the pressures on biodiversity remain. There is a clear need to work together for biodiversity throughout the coming decade.  In December 2020 the Scottish biodiversity strategy post-2020: statement of intent was published, setting 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.

Introduction

The CBD brigaded the Aichi Targets under five strategic goals covering; A) mainstreaming; B) direct pressures; C) biodiversity status; D) benefits to all; and E) Enhanced implementation.

A) Mainstreaming

Scotland has performed well, relative to Europe as a whole, on increasing awareness of biodiversity and embedding biodiversity values through the development of policy. This is evident at a local level where people appreciate, enjoy and gain well-being from biodiversity, and at a national level where tools like the Natural Capital Asset Index are helping to inform policy. However, further action is needed to improve the impacts of some incentives, and consider further regulation, where appropriate, to ensure production and consumption are within safe ecological limits.

B) Direct Pressures

Despite concerted efforts by land managers across the country, habitats in Scotland are affected by pressures including: land use intensification, modification and heavy grazing; habitat fragmentation; and climate change. Marine habitats face many of the same issues. Sustainable marine management is comparable with the EU as a whole and the establishment of a network of Marine Protected Areas (MPA) is part of a strategic approach to marine conservation (Scotland achieving 37% MPA coverage is significant).

Despite concerted efforts by land managers across the country, habitats in Scotland are affected by pressures including: land use intensification, modification and heavy grazing; habitat fragmentation; and climate change. Marine habitats face many of the same issues. Sustainable marine management is comparable with the EU as a whole and the establishment of a network of Marine Protected Areas (MPA) is part of a strategic approach to marine conservation (Scotland achieving 37% MPA coverage is significant).

C) Biodiversity status

The areas of sea and land designated for safeguarding biodiversity now exceed the international target. However, further progress on improving the condition of protected areas is needed to meet Scottish Government targets. The creation of Scotland’s National Marine Plan and the reformed Common Fisheries Policy, along with the Marine Strategy Framework Directive are all helping to focus efforts towards sustainable management in the marine environment. Very few species have been lost from Scotland since records began, but overall the abundance of most species for which we have data has declined over the last twenty years.  Furthermore, the evidence suggests that there had already been sizeable declines since the beginning of the 20th century. There have been many notable successes, however, which highlights the importance of conservation action. Genetic diversity underpins nature’s ability to adapt in the face of change and in 2020 Scotland became the first country to publish an assessment report as well as the certification of the first Gene Conservation Unit in the UK - for Scots pine on Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve.

D) Benefits to all

This suite of targets faces both inwards, towards Scotland’s people and outwards reflecting Scotland’s role as a responsible global citizen. Ecosystems in Scotland provide valuable services from clean water to flood risk reduction. Ambitious restoration projects can be found in every region, and include work on peatlands, rivers and native woodlands.

Regulations are in place across the UK to ensure compliance with the Nagoya Protocol, which safeguards the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the utilisation of genetic resources, and these have been embraced by Scottish institutions.

E) Enhancing delivery

The continued implementation of the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy and the Route Map to 2020 is regularly reported to the Scottish Parliament and Ministers. The Scottish Biodiversity Strategy: report to Parliament 2017 to 2019 provides a comprehensive assessment.  The protection of traditional knowledge and the rights of communities are contributing positively to Scotland’s biodiversity. The improved collation of data and data management are ensuring decisions are informed and that information is shared and accessible. More work is required to address improved data recording, data analysis gaps and data relating to ecosystem functions. Over the period there has been a move towards dedicated funding towards biodiversity projects, which cover a wide range of work connecting people and nature.

The Future

Although this cycle of CBD reporting is now complete, this does not mean we have reached an endpoint. In 2021 the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) will adopt a post-2020 global biodiversity framework as a stepping stone towards the 2050 Vision of “Living in harmony with nature". The Conference of the Parties in Kunming, China (COP15) will ratify formal actions and targets. This framework will provide the context for development of our new biodiversity strategy and action plan to improve biodiversity here in Scotland, and future reporting will continue to reflect both Scotland’s goals and our international obligations.

The 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.

Scoring system

The Global Biodiversity Outlook 4 provides a guide to ensuring a consistent approach for reporting against the Aichi targets.  The same approach has been adopted across the UK, with a five-point scoring system summarizing progress, as shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1. Five point scale of progress, adapted from Global Outlook 4.

Description	Icon
On track to exceed target (we expect to achieve this before its deadline)
On track to achieve target (if we continue on our current trajectory we expect to achieve the target by 2020)
Progress towards target but insufficient (unless we increase our efforts the target will not be met by its deadline)
No significant overall progress (overall, we are neither moving towards the target nor moving away from it)
Moving away from target (things are getting worse rather than better)

 

We provide one of these five ‘progress points’ showing progress in Scotland for each target.

In addition, we include a bar chart showing how many CBD signatories have attained each of the five progress points (a sixth category is ‘unknown’ for some countries). Progress by Scotland, and by the EU, are represented by their flag in the chart. (The position of the flag does not imply progress relative to other countries within that category).

Figure 2. Example Bar Chart – The coloured bars show the progress of the countries (CBD signatories). In this example, 4 have made no progress (red); 37, including the EU, are moving at an insufficient rate (orange); and 36, including Scotland, are meeting this target (green).

AICHI TARGET 1 - AWARENESS INCREASED

Aichi Global Target

By 2020, at the latest, people are aware of the values of biodiversity and the steps they can take to conserve and use it sustainably.

 

 

 

Scotland’s Progress – meeting target

Biodiversity awareness in Scotland is currently measured at around 71%. There are a large number of organisations actively seeking to promote and help raise the awareness of conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.

Moving forwards from 2020

Continue to work with a range of partners to raise awareness and promote biodiversity action across Scotland.

Target 1 – Scottish Success Story - Scotland's Natural Health Service

image - woodland

The Our Natural Health Service programme is led by NatureScot, with key national partners including Public Health Scotland, Scottish Forestry and Transport Scotland.

Our Natural Health Service aims to:

• make better use of Scotland’s natural environment as a resource to improve health and wellbeing through being more active and spending time outdoors;
• mainstream green exercise into health and social care policy and practice;
• build capacity and participation within communities

Dundee Green Health Partnership

The Dundee Green Health Partnership (GHP) was launched in 2019, testing innovative ways to address health inequalities and mental health and physical well-being through the use of nature based interventions. The GHP is a partnership between NHS Tayside, Dundee City Council, academics, local services who deliver nature based interventions and local communities. The network is growing since its inception in June 2018. The aim is to connect people and greenspaces through the primary perspective of health improvement.  Dundee offers several nature based interventions on a weekly basis catering for a variety of different target groups, cancer, obesity, amputee, mental health, elderly, diabetes, military veterans and people suffering from loneliness and social isolation. The vision in Scotland for ‘Our Natural Health Service’ is to mainstream these kinds of approaches and that is what the Dundee Partnership are doing. It is critically important that we maximise the health benefits, these activities provide and develop new ones where there is demand.

Getting outdoors and experiencing nature can make a real difference towards our health. To help support nature based initiatives a pilot programme of green health prescriptions has been trialled at three Dundee medial practices. In 2019 81 prescriptions were issued.

After developing COPD and arthritis Robert found that losing his ability to be as active as he used to be strongly impacted his mental health. He has gained weight and is now at the point where he is trying to improve his health and develop healthy routines again. He has attended a ReDiscover Dundee taster session and cycle ride and from there has gone on to self-refer to the Green Health Prescription. Robert is keen to join in Rediscover Dundee led rides on a regular basis and after the consultation with the Green Health Development Officer Robert has more information about cycle hires for personal use in Dundee.

For more information

Detailed summaries of progress towards this target

What are we doing

Scotland’s Biodiversity Route Map provides an overview of progress to March 2019 on the 12 Priority Projects and associated 14 targets and 79 underpinning actions in the Route Map. The table shows progress on projects which help towards meeting the Aichi targets.

Priority Projects	Relevance	Status
PP5 – More people experiencing and enjoying nature	Increase regular visits and active travel in greenspace through improved infrastructure, information, and campaigns, and the provision of activities and events.
PP6 – Taking learning outdoors	100 schools in the 20% most disadvantaged areas across Scotland have access to quality greenspace for outdoor learning.
PP7 – Developing Scotland’s natural health service	Improve greenspace quality and use on at least one hospital or health care facility in each NHS Health Board in mainland Scotland.

 

AICHI TARGET 2 - BIODIVERSITY VALUES INTEGRATED

Aichi Global Target

By 2020, at the latest, biodiversity values have been integrated into national and local development and poverty reduction strategies and planning processes and are being incorporated into national accounting, as appropriate, and reporting systems.

 

 

 

Scotland's Progress - meeting target

Scotland is a world leader in developing the concept of natural capital, and actively promotes biodiversity through strategies and policies.  Whilst challenges remain to embed conservation and sustainable use in practice, biodiversity values have been integrated into the mainstream planning, policy and reporting frameworks.

Moving forwards from 2020 

Continue to work to embed conservation and sustainable use as good practice.

Target 2 – Scottish Success Story – Green Infrastructure

The Green Infrastructure Strategic Intervention is a unique opportunity to create and improve multifunctional green infrastructure on a major scale in Scotland’s towns and cities. It contributes towards dealing with the climate emergency, being central to adaptation and mitigation.

NatureScot is the Lead Partner, showing that we can deliver a funding programme of this scale successfully. We have allocated over £15m from the European Regional Development Fund, to projects with match funding that means an overall programme of projects of £40m.

The first GISI projects started delivery in 2016 and all will complete by June 2023. These are having a positive impact in terms of being well used by their communities, contributing to key objectives around connecting people and nature, contributing to the health and well-being agenda, encouraging connectivity and attracting positive feedback from the range of partners.

Case Study: Melfort Park

West Dunbartonshire Council is planning to develop the former St Eunan’s Primary School site which is located within a residential neighbourhood of Clydebank and is currently inaccessible and severely contaminated. The site will be transformed into an attractive and exciting new Community Green Space with biodiversity areas, raised bed allotments, recreational areas for children, outdoor exercise equipment, and outdoor education areas as well as interpretation about the heritage of Clydebank. In addition, new pedestrian routes will be provided through the site.

The project will deliver an additional 2.07 hectares of green infrastructure and extend open space and recreation facilities for people of all ages in an urban area where there is a clear shortfall. The site will become an important asset for the local community in an area where 80% of the population live within 500 metres of vacant and derelict land and where there is a need for better quality greenspaces.

NatureScot are leading the way in demonstrating green infrastructure’s key role in tackling issues faced in many of our urban areas - declining economic growth, social inequalities, pollution, flooding, noise, areas of multiple deprivation, health problems and limited biodiversity. The projects we support are demonstrating what can be achieved and contribute to best practice.

More information on the Melfort Park project.

For more information

Detailed summaries of progress towards this target

What are we doing

Scotland’s Biodiversity Route Map provides an overview of progress to March 2019 on the 12 Priority Projects and associated 14 targets and 79 underpinning actions in the Route Map. The table shows progress on projects which help towards meeting the Aichi targets.

Priority Project	Relevance	Status
PP4 – Investment in natural capital	Businesses are more aware of their reliance on Scotland's natural capital, and more investment is being made in building natural capital.

 

AICHI TARGET 3 - INCENTIVES REFORMED

Aichi Global Target

By 2020, at the latest, incentives, including subsidies, harmful to biodiversity are eliminated, phased out or reformed in order to minimize or avoid negative impacts, and positive incentives for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity are developed and applied, consistent and in harmony with the Convention and other relevant international obligations, taking into account national socio economic conditions.

Scotland’s Progress – insufficient progress

Incentives help to influence behaviour towards achieving a range of aims. They can encourage activity that can promote biodiversity. However, in Scotland some still conflict with biodiversity leading to its deterioration and sometimes loss.

Moving forwards from 2020

Continue to improve incentives to benefit biodiversity.

Target 3 – Scottish Success Story - Woodland Creation in Scotland

Scotland’s Forestry Strategy 2019-2029 was published in 2019 setting out a long-term approach to expanding, protecting and enhancing Scotland’s forests and woodlands, so that they deliver greater economic, social and environmental benefits to Scotland’s people, now and in the future.

Through the UK Forestry Standard Scottish Forestry promotes the enhancement, conservation and restoration of semi-natural habitats and priority species. A lot of work has taken place in the last three years to build the evidence to support the UKFS and associated Practice Guides which help to implement the research on the ground to encourage adoption of nature-based solutions. Scottish Forestry developed and manages the Woodland Carbon Code which helps generate an economic return from a nature-based solution. At the end of March 2020, 130 woodland creation projects in Scotland, mainly of broadleaves and native species, had been validated under the Code.

More than 12,000 hectares of new native woodland was established under the Forestry Grant Scheme between 1 April 2017 and 31 March 2020. This is over 40% of the 29,000 hectares of new woodland funded under the scheme and accounts for 81% of all new planting in Great Britain during this period. The Forestry Grant Scheme also funded some £4.6 million of work during the same period to benefit a range of priority habitats and species, as defined in the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy, under its ‘Habitat and Species’ and ‘Species Conservation’ options. Work included deadwood provision, rhododendron eradication, scarification to encourage natural regeneration, fencing to exclude stock, deer and/or rabbits, control grey squirrels, and control predators on capercaillie and black grouse.

Scottish Forestry collaborated with NatureScot and others in the development and publication of a set of 15 indicators of ecological condition collected during the National Forest Inventory (NFI) survey of woodlands. These Woodland Ecological Condition statistics were published and will allow monitoring of ecological condition across all woodland types. They show that there are more native woodlands in Scotland than previously reported, with most native woodlands exhibiting many characteristics of favourable ecological condition, and that our non-native woodlands are contributing to the overall ecological value of Scotland’s wooded landscape. Future challenges will include reducing the negative impacts of deer and invasive non-native species in native woodlands, and protecting all woodlands from tree pests and diseases.

For more information

Detailed summaries of progress towards this target.

What are we doing

Scotland’s Biodiversity Route Map provides an overview of progress to March 2019 on the 12 Priority Projects and associated 14 targets and 79 underpinning actions in the Route Map. The table shows progress on projects which help towards meeting the Aichi targets.

Priority Project	Relevance	Status
PP4 – Investment in natural capital	Businesses are more aware of their reliance on Scotland's natural capital, and more investment is being made in building natural capital.
PP11 – Sustainable land management	Promotion of measures to support biodiversity under Common Agricultural Policy: sites demonstrating good practice aimed at supporting wildlife.

 

AICHI TARGET 4 - SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION

Aichi Global Target

By 2020, at the latest, Governments, business and stakeholders at all levels have taken steps to achieve or have implemented plans for sustainable production and consumption and have kept the impacts of use of natural resources well within safe ecological limits.

Scotland's Progress - insufficient progress

Sustainability is an integral part of Scotland’s economy and is enshrined within the Government Economic Strategy. Scotland is committed to being a low carbon economy and has ambitious targets to achieve this. However, not all indicators show confidently that we have achieved safe ecological limits.

Moving forwards from 2020

Improve, increase and expand plans for sustainable production and consumption within safe ecological limits.

Sustainable consumption and production

Whilst public support for sustainable consumption and production is high, there are often economic barriers that prevent people taking up green options. This has been the case with electric vehicles, which are typically more expensive than fossil-fuel powered equivalents.

Target 4 – Scottish Success Story – Energy Saving Trust Used Electric Vehicle Loan

Electric vehicles (EV) offer an opportunity to save on people’s day-to-day carbon emissions. This is particularly true for Scotland where around 70% of electricity is generated through renewable sources.

​​​​​​​Interest-free loans to buy new electric vehicles from e-bikes to cars have been available since 2018, funded by Transport Scotland (an agency of the Scottish Government) and administered by the Energy Saving Trust. In 2020 the scheme was broadened to include used vehicles with interest-free loans of up to £20,000 to cover the cost of purchasing a used electric car, or up to £5,000 for the purchase of a used electric motorcycle or moped. 

By the end of 2020, the Scottish Government’s Low Carbon Transport Loan had provided over £85m in interest-free loans to help people purchase a new EV. Extending the scheme to pre-owned vehicles greatly increases the accessibility of low-carbon motoring.

For more information

Detailed summaries of progress towards this target

What are we doing

Scotland’s Biodiversity Route Map provides an overview of progress to March 2019 on the 12 Priority Projects and associated 14 targets and 79 underpinning actions in the Route Map. The table shows progress on projects which help towards meeting the Aichi targets.

Priority Project	Relevance	Status
PP4 – Investment in natural capital	Businesses are more aware of their reliance on Scotland's natural capital, and more investment is being made in building natural capital.
PP11 – Sustainable land management	Promotion of measures to support biodiversity under CAP: sites demonstrating good practice aimed at supporting wildlife.

 

AICHI TARGET 5 - HABITAT LOSS HALVED OR REDUCED

Aichi Global Target

By 2020, the rate of loss of all natural habitats, including forests, is at least halved and where feasible brought close to zero, and degradation and fragmentation is significantly reduced.

Scotland’s Progress – insufficient progress

Some of Scotland’s habitats have suffered degradation and losses through changes in land use and management.

Targeted restoration is underway on peatland, woodland and freshwater habitats. Work is ongoing to improve protection of Priority Marine Features and the Scottish MPA network through implementing fisheries management measures The Habitat Map of Scotland provides baseline habitat data and will enable us, in time, to look at changes in Scotland’s habitats. The Ecosystem Health Indicators will improve our knowledge of habitat fragmentation.

Moving forwards from 2020

Continue to work with Scotland’s land managers, engaging with stakeholders, to improve habitat management and restoration.

Target 5 – Scottish Success Story – Habitat Map of Scotland

The 2020 Challenge for Scotland’s Biodiversity, part of the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy, made a commitment to produce a 'comprehensive map of Scotland’s main habitats'. The habitat map of Scotland is a composite map tool that pulls together habitat and land use data to help support policy and management decisions, provides data for measuring ecosystem health and valuable information on the status of our ecosystems. Completion of the Habitat Map of Scotland enables us to better assess the extent of habitats across Scotland at a broad scale.

GPS and quadrat used on habitat surveying at Creag Meagaidh NNR, East Highland Area.©Lorne Gill/NatureScot

NatureScot and its project partners hold a wealth of habitat survey data for more than 700 sites and areas. The surveys were conducted for various purposes and published in a range of formats.

The Habitat Map of Scotland has brought all this data together adding value to this information and ensuring it can be used in the future.

Using the dataset

Download the Habitat Map of Scotland dataset from our Natural Spaces website.

Download the EUNIS Land Cover Scotland map dataset from Natural Spaces.

Or view the data on Map view on Scotland’s Environment website.

Explore the data in our new story map.

For more information

Detailed summaries of progress towards this target

What are we doing

Scotland’s Biodiversity Route Map provides an overview of progress to March 2019 on the 12 Priority Projects and associated 14 targets and 79 underpinning actions in the Route Map. The table shows progress on projects which help towards meeting the Aichi targets.

Project	Relevance	Status
PP1 – Restoration of peatlands	Ambitious peatland restoration programme underway, contributing to the EU15% degraded ecosystem restoration target.
PP2 – Restoration of native woodlands	Increase the amount of native woodland in good condition (upwards from 46% as identified by the Native Woodland Survey of Scotland).
PP2 – Restoration of native woodlands	3,000 to 5,000 ha new native woodland creation per year.
PP2 – Restoration of native woodlands	Restore approximately 10,000 ha of native woodland into satisfactory condition in partnership with private woodland owners through Deer Management Plans.
PP3 – Restoration of fresh waters	Achieve agreed ecological water quality objectives under the Water Framework Directive of river and lake water bodies and to contribute to meeting conservation objectives (including Natura 2000 sites) through scoping improvements to physical modifications.
PP11 – Sustainable land management	Promotion of measures to support biodiversity under CAP: sites demonstrating good practice aimed at supporting wildlife.
PP12 – Increase environmental status of our seas	10% of Scotland’s seas to be incorporated in nature conservation Marine Protected Areas.

 

AICHI TARGET 6 - SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT - MARINE

Aichi Global Target

By 2020, all fish and invertebrate stocks and aquatic plants are managed and harvested sustainably, legally and applying ecosystem based approaches, so that overfishing is avoided, recovery plans and measures are in place for all depleted species, fisheries have no significant adverse impacts on threatened species and vulnerable ecosystems and the impacts of fisheries on stocks, species and ecosystems are within safe ecological limits.

Scotland’s Progress – insufficient progress

Considerable progress has been made in ensuring fish, invertebrate and aquatic plants are harvested sustainably and in line with Scottish and European legal frameworks. The latest fishery stock assessments show that they are at Good Environmental Status (GES) for the Greater North Sea ecoregion. In the Celtic Seas ecoregion, a number of stocks have very low biomasses and are not sustainable. The development of Scotland’s National Marine Plan, and Aquaculture, Seaweed Harvesting and Fisheries Strategies along with the UK Marine Strategy are all helping to focus efforts towards sustainable management in the marine environment.

Moving forwards from 2020

Continue to improve the seas around Scotland working with all of the relevant stakeholders.

Target 6 – Scottish Success Story – Marine Protected Areas in Scotland

A network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) helps to protect nationally important marine wildlife, habitats, geology and undersea landforms. Scotland's MPA network makes a significant contribution to European, North-east Atlantic and global MPA networks and helps deliver our international commitments for protection of the marine environment. The term ‘MPA’ is a generic one and is used to refer to all of the types mentioned below.

 Scotland’s network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) now consists of 244 sites, with 230 for conservation purposes, providing protection to 37% of our seas. This means Scotland is providing a significant contribution to the Global Ocean Alliance ambition and the expected Convention on Biodiversity target of reaching 30% global ocean protection by 2030 – often known as 30by30.

MARINE PROTECTED AREAS MAP

In addition there is one demonstration and research MPA, eight historic MPAs, and five Other Area Based Measures recognised as part of the Scottish MPA network. Other Area Based Measures (OABM) contribute to the protection of biodiversity but were not set up specifically for this purpose (e.g. Fisheries restrictions).

For more information

Detailed summaries of progress towards this target.

What are we doing

Scotland’s Biodiversity Route Map provides an overview of progress to March 2019 on the 12 Priority Projects and associated 14 targets and 79 underpinning actions in the Route Map. The table shows progress on projects which help towards meeting the Aichi targets.

Priority Projects	Relevance	Status
PP12 – Increase environmental status of our seas	10% of Scotland’s seas to be incorporated in nature conservation Marine Protected Areas.

 

AICHI TARGET 7 - SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE, AQUACULTURE AND FORESTRY

Aichi Global Target

By 2020 areas under agriculture, aquaculture and forestry are managed sustainably, ensuring conservation of biodiversity.

Scotland’s Progress – insufficient progress

Agriculture, aquaculture and forestry are important industries in Scotland. Considerable progress has been made in developing policies and strategies that will help achieve and support sustainability targets by 2020.

Moving forwards from 2020

Continue to develop and promote policies and strategies for agriculture, aquaculture and forestry that focus on sustainability helping ensure conservation of biodiversity.

Target 7 – Scottish Success Story – Scotland’s Pollinator Strategy

The Pollinator Strategy for Scotland 2017-2027 sets out how Scotland can continue to be a place where pollinators thrive, along with actions that are needed to help achieve that objective. The actions are wide ranging, working with a range of partner organisations across Scotland.

In 2018 a series of Pollinator Trails were set up at five National Nature Reserves: Flanders Moss, Taynish, Forvie, Creag Meagaidh and St Cyrus. The trails are short walks and easily accessible.  There are information signs along the paths for visitors, telling them more about pollinators and wildflowers and giving tips on how to help pollinators.

The pollinator trails are part of the work of the Pollinator Strategy for Scotland, which draws together the expertise and enthusiasm of a wide range of organisations, government agencies and businesses. For more information, see Helping Scotland's Pollinators.

The five new trails add to an existing trail opened last year on the NatureScot grounds at Battleby, near Perth. The trail has a stunning wildflower meadow, thriving bee hotel and a living wall.

For more information

Detailed summaries of progress towards this target.

What are we doing

Scotland’s Biodiversity Route Map provides an overview of progress to March 2019 on the 12 Priority Projects and associated 14 targets and 79 underpinning actions in the Route Map. The table shows progress on projects which help towards meeting the Aichi targets.

Priority Projects	Relevance	Status
PP2 – Restoration of native woodlands	Increase the amount of native woodland in good condition (upwards from 46% as identified by the Native Woodland Survey of Scotland).
PP2 – Restoration of native woodlands	3,000 to 5,000 ha new native woodland creation per year.
PP2 – Restoration of native woodlands	Restore approximately 10,000 ha of native woodland into satisfactory condition in partnership with private woodland owners through Deer Management Plans.
PP4 – Investment in natural capital	Businesses are more aware of their reliance on Scotland's natural capital, and more investment is being made in building natural capital..
PP11 – Sustainable land management	Promotion of measures to support biodiversity under CAP: sites demonstrating good practice aimed at supporting wildlife.

 

​AICHI TARGET 8 - POLLUTION REDUCED

Aichi Global Target

By 2020, pollution, including from excess nutrients, has been brought to levels that are not detrimental to ecosystem function and biodiversity.

Scotland’s Progress – meeting target

Improvements to air and water quality over recent decades, brought about by reduced pollution, have led to marked improvements in their status. Work remains to be done, with more challenging measures required to control air pollution and diffuse pollution, control marine litter, and better quantify the effects of pollution on Scotland’s biodiversity and ecosystems.

Moving forwards from 2020

Continue to improve measures required to control air pollution and diffuse pollution, control marine litter, and better quantify the effects of pollution on Scotland’s biodiversity and ecosystems.

Target 8 – Scottish Success Story – Pearls in Peril

The freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera) is declining dramatically throughout its range and is under grave threat within Great Britain. Mussel populations have been affected by multiple issues, including habitat degradation, declining water quality and wildlife crime. Pearls in Peril worked to safeguard the future of the most important pearl mussel populations in Great Britain by tackling these threats and implementing best practice conservation methods. The project had three principal objectives:

1. The primary objective was to RESTORE habitat to benefit both mussels and salmonids on which the pearl mussel lifecycle depends. Pearls in Peril facilitated the use of agri-environment schemes to implement riparian tree planting and water margin protection across priority catchments. In-stream restoration was undertaken to recreate riverbed habitat and establish natural river processes.
2. The Pearls in Peril ‘Riverwatcher’ scheme worked to SECURE populations of pearl mussel by raising awareness of the threat of illegal pearl fishing activity. Pearls in Peril also refined a technique to encyst wild salmonids with local pearl mussel glochidia in selected rivers.
3. A range of dissemination activities took place that COMMUNICATE information about freshwater pearl mussels to a range of audiences. ‘Pearls in the Classroom’ was developed as a classroom activity and rolled out across primary schools within the project area. The project also sought to demonstrate the contribution that conservation work can make to the provision of wider ecosystem services.

The project targeted rivers in Great Britain that are designated Natura sites for freshwater pearl mussel. The project took place in 21 Special Areas for Conservation and involved a total of 14 beneficiaries. The project aimed to help arrest the decline in our most important pearl mussel populations in many of the SACs, and begin their journey towards ‘unfavourable recovering’ condition. The project also sought to take a catchment scale approach in order to adequately address the above threats, which can often arise from activities outwith the boundary of the SAC, but have important implications for the freshwater pearl mussels within the relevant rivers. Where this project was distinctive as a best practice project was the scale of the conservation work that was implemented and the size of the project partnership. From the outset Pearls in Peril has been attempting to implement a number of conservation actions at the catchment or ecosystem scale and provided a great opportunity to develop operations at a strategic level.

The Pearls in Peril project was an ambitious and complicated project which delivered wide scale river and habitat restoration in order to improve the conservation of freshwater pearl mussels and their host salmonids.

For more information

Detailed summaries of progress towards this target can be found online.

What are we doing

Scotland’s Biodiversity Route Map provides an overview of progress to March 2019 on the 12 Priority Projects and associated 14 targets and 79 underpinning actions in the Route Map. The table shows progress on projects which help towards meeting the Aichi targets.

Priority Project	Relevance	Status
PP3 – Restoration of freshwaters	Achieve agreed ecological water quality objectives under the Water Framework Directive of river and lake water bodies and to contribute to meeting conservation objectives (including Natura 2000 sites) through scoping improvements to physical modifications.
PP11 – Sustainable land management	Promotion of measures to support biodiversity under CAP: sites demonstrating good practice aimed at supporting wildlife.

 

​AICHI TARGET 9 - INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES PREVENTED AND CONTROLLED

Aichi Global Target

By 2020, invasive alien species and pathways are identified and prioritized, priority species are controlled or eradicated, and measures are in place to manage pathways to prevent their introduction and establishment.

Scotland’s Progress – insufficient progress

Action to control the most problematic non-native invasive species is underway and new information systems are being developed to inform rapid response. However, the spread of invasive non-native species and their impacts on biodiversity is a present and growing threat.

Around 2,000 non-native species have become established in Great Britain; of which 234 species have a documented negative ecological or human impact. Most of the 1,161 non-native species known to be established in Scotland are higher plants, and 183 species of animals and plants (16%) have negative ecological impacts.

Moving forwards from 2020

Continue to develop plans and take action on reducing the impacts from invasive non-native species.

Target 9 – Scottish Success Story – Shiants Seabird Recovery Project

The Shiant Isles are one of the most important breeding colonies for seabirds in Europe - around 10 per cent of UK puffins and 7 per cent of UK razorbills breed here every year. However, when the project began in 2014, as well as these amazing seabird populations, the islands were also home to a population of invasive non-native black rats.

The rat eradication took place during winter 2015-2016 when rat numbers were at their lowest due to limited food availability, and when seabirds were not on the islands. Led by Wildlife Management International Limited, which has had successes with similar projects around the world, the eradication operation was carried out using rodenticide distributed in bait stations set in a grid across each of the Shiant Isles, including the sea stacks. This took more than four months to complete. Special measures were put in place to ensure that this phase of the project did not impact on the wildlife on the islands over the winter.

From spring 2016 Manx shearwaters and storm petrels were encouraged to nest on the Shiant Isles with artificial burrows installed and calls played from speaker systems to attract birds into suitable breeding habitat. In the summer of 2017 calling storm petrels were recorded on the islands for the first time and in 2018 the project recorded a calling storm petrel chick, the first known breeding of these birds on the Shiants. In 2018 Manx shearwaters were heard calling over the islands for the first time and it is hoped this species will also colonise the islands as a breeding species in the coming years.

This project cost more than £1 million. Around half was funded through the EU LIFE+ programme. NatureScot also provided £200,000. The remainder was funded through donations to RSPB. More information on the Shiants Seabird Recovery project can be found online.

For more information

Detailed Summaries of progress towards this target can be found online.

What are we doing

Scotland’s Biodiversity Route Map provides an overview of progress to March 2019 on the 12 Priority Projects and associated 14 targets and 79 underpinning actions in the Route Map. The table shows progress on projects which help towards meeting the Aichi targets.

Priority Project	Relevance	Status
PP2 – Restoration of native woodlands	Increase the amount of native woodland in good condition (upwards from 46% as identified by the Native Woodland Survey of Scotland).
PP2 – Restoration of native woodlands	3,000 to 5,000 ha new native woodland creation per year.
PP2 – Restoration of native woodlands	Restore approximately 10,000 ha of native woodland into satisfactory condition in partnership with private woodland owners through Deer Management Plans.
PP3 – Restoration of fresh waters	Achieve agreed ecological water quality objectives under the Water Framework Directive of river and lake water bodies and to contribute to meeting conservation objectives (including Natura 2000 sites) through scoping improvements to physical modifications.
PP9 – Conservation of priority species	Deliver focussed action for priority species in Scotland.
PP10 – Improving ecological connection	Improve connectivity between habitats and ecosystems

 

​AICHI TARGET 10 – ECOSYSTEMS VULNERABLE TO CLIMATE CHANGE

Aichi Global Target

By 2015, the multiple anthropogenic pressures on coral reefs, and other ecosystems impacted by climate change or ocean acidification are minimized, so as to maintain their integrity and function.

Scotland’s Progress – insufficient progress

In Scotland terrestrial ecosystems vulnerable to climate change include uplands, peatlands and oak woodland. Coastal habitats such as machair and saltmarsh as well as intertidal habitats are particularly vulnerable to sea-level rise and increased air and water temperature.  Many marine habitats and species such as cold water corals, maerl beds, serpulid reefs, horse mussel and flame shell beds are considered vulnerable to various factors such as temperature increase and ocean acidification. Steps are being taken to identify pressures and to make ecosystems more resilient through protecting sites, voluntary codes and enacting legislation.

Moving forwards from 2020

Continue to identify pressures and to make ecosystems more resilient through protecting sites, voluntary codes and enacting legislation.

Target 10 – Scottish Success Story EcoCo LIFE

Projects such as the Central Scotland Green Network and EcoCo LIFE are targeting improvements in biodiversity resilience through habitat restoration and increased ecological coherence, while ensuring benefits for local communities. Ultimately, however, without reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, and in particular carbon dioxide, conditions in the marine and terrestrial environments will continue to deteriorate.

EcoCo LIFE is a £2.3 million (or 3.1 million euro) project funded by the Life+ financial instrument of the European Community for habitat restoration and creation to improve ecological coherence within the Central Scotland Green Network area (CSGN).

The project will do this by improving biodiversity at key sites - through habitat creation and restoration to improve habitat connectivity and coherence. The project aims to improve habitat and species resilience, contribute to wider ecosystem services (such as improved natural flood management and reducing diffuse pollution) whilst also contributing to the CSGN’s socio-economic impacts.

Target 10 – Scottish Success – Story Case Study: Blawhorn Moss

Blawhorn Moss is a large area of raised bog and blanket bog habitat in the central lowlands. It has been modified in the past through drainage and cutting, resulting in a drying-out of the surface of the bog and a consequent loss of key species.

The work has focused on continuing to restore the integrity of the bog through a programme of ditch blocking and trench bunding. This will help restore the hydrological connectivity across the moss, improving its ecological condition and coherence. By re-wetting the disturbed habitats, a higher water table will be created, benefiting a range of rare bog species and reducing the density of invasive scrub and trees. In time, a more sustainable, natural habitat will be restored.

For more information

Detailed summaries of progress towards this target can be found online.

What are we doing

Scotland’s Biodiversity Route Map provides an overview of progress to March 2019 on the 12 Priority Projects and associated 14 targets and 79 underpinning actions in the Route Map. The table shows progress on projects which help towards meeting the Aichi targets.

Priority Project	Relevance	Status
PP1 – Restoration of peatlands	Ambitious peatland restoration programme underway, contributing to the EU 15% degraded ecosystem restoration target.
PP2 – Restoration of native woodlands	Increase the amount of native woodland in good condition (upwards from 46% as identified by the Native Woodland Survey of Scotland).
PP2 – Restoration of native woodlands	3,000 to 5,000 ha new native woodland creation per year.
PP2 – Restoration of native woodlands	Restore approximately 10,000 ha of native woodland into satisfactory condition in partnership with private woodland owners through Deer Management Plans.
PP3 – Restoration of fresh waters	Achieve agreed ecological water quality objectives under the Water Framework Directive of river and lake water bodies and to contribute to meeting conservation objectives (including Natura 2000 sites) through scoping improvements to physical modifications.
PP12 – Increase environmental status of our seas	10% of Scotland’s seas to be incorporated in nature conservation Marine Protected Areas.

 

​​​​​​​AICHI TARGET 11 – PROTECTED AREAS INCREASED AND IMPROVED

Aichi Global Target

By 2020, at least 17 per cent of terrestrial and inland water areas and 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, especially areas of particular importance for biodiversity and ecosystem services, are conserved through effectively and equitably managed, ecologically representative and well-connected systems of protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures, and integrated into the wider landscape and seascape.

Scotland’s Progress – insufficient progress

Species, habitats and geology of national and international importance in Scotland are safeguarded in a suite of protected areas, contributing to halting biodiversity loss. By March 2019 some 22.7% of terrestrial and inland water areas and 17.6% of marine areas had been brought under site protection, with 78.9% of designated features in favourable (including recovering) condition. Although the area percentages exceed the Aichi Target, the condition target is lower than the 80% national target and shows no significant improvement from the 2010 level. More work is still required on management, representativeness, integration, and connectivity of sites.

Moving forwards from 2020

Improving the condition of protected areas is all about working in partnership. Although much great work is done by Non-Governmental Organisations and government bodies like NatureScot and Forestry and Land Scotland, it is when land managers, local communities and conservationists come together that we see the greatest sustained benefits.

Target 11 – Scottish Success Story – Cairngorms Connect

The Cairngorms National Park is home to a number of threatened habitats and species. Cairngorms Connect is a partnership of neighbouring land managers - committed to a bold and ambitious 200-year vision to enhance habitats, species and ecological processes across a vast area within the National Park. The partnership area encompasses over 600 square kilometres including mountains, floodplains and ancient woodland, making it the biggest habitat restoration project in Britain. The project has led to on the ground conservation work for species from shining-guest ants to golden eagles, from tiny green shield moss to Scots pine. By controlling deer numbers, the partners are allowing native woodland to expand benefitting nature, reducing flood risk and capturing carbon. The enhanced opportunities for people to enjoy nature add to the suite of benefits to people as part of nature.

Cairngorms Connect is funded by the Endangered Landscapes Programme, which is funded by Arcadia, a charitable fund of Lisbet Rausing and Peter Baldwin, and is managed by the Cambridge Conservation Initiative.

For more information

Detailed summaries of progress towards this target can be found online.

What are we doing

Scotland’s Biodiversity Route Map provides an overview of progress to March 2019 on the 12 Priority Projects and associated 14 targets and 79 underpinning actions in the Route Map. The table shows progress on projects which help towards meeting the Aichi targets.

Priority Project	Relevance	Status
PP8 – Protected areas in good condition	Focus action on those sites that are in most need of effective conservation management
PP8 – Protected areas in good condition	Work towards improving the condition of protected sites in the longer term
PP9 – Conservation of priority species	Deliver focussed action for priority species in Scotland.
PP12 – Increase environmental status of our seas	Complete the suite of Marine Protected Areas and Natura sites

AICHI TARGET 12 - EXTINCTION PREVENTED

Aichi Global Target

By 2020 the extinction of known threatened species has been prevented and their conservation status, particularly of those most in decline, has been improved and sustained.

Scotland’s Progress – insufficient progress

In historical times, there has been only one case of a Scottish vertebrate going extinct worldwide: the great auk which went extinct in Scotland in 1840, and globally in 1844. However, two species of invertebrate, the Manx shearwater flea (Ceratophyllus fionnus) and Caledonian planthopper (Cixius caledonicus), have not been recorded since the 1960s and are therefore presumed extinct. From a biological viewpoint, in many cases it is appropriate to look at extinction risk across the British Isles as a whole, as well as the Scottish context. The UK Indicator shows some evidence of a slowing in the rate of decline in abundance of the UK’s priority species. There is a mixed picture from Scotland’s species indicators: seabirds, waders, upland birds, and specialist butterflies in decline; generalist butterflies, woodland birds, and geese are increasing. Further work is required to develop a Scotland priority species indicator, and improvement of the taxonomical breadth of our GB-Red Lists, and indicator suite.

Moving forwards from 2020

Continued work is developing a Scotland priority species indicator, and improving of the taxonomical breadth of our GB-Red Lists, and indicator suite.

Target 12 – Scottish Success Story – Bordered brown lacewing

The bordered brown lacewing is a tiny insect, with a wingspan of less than a centimetre. It may at first sight appear rather dull, but with a magnifying glass or hand lens, the delicate lacelike veins of its wings can be seen. It was believed to have gone extinct in the UK after it was last sighted at Holyrood Park in 1982. An internship supported by the People’s Trust for Endangered Species, led to the rediscovery of the species in 2015. Since then, thanks to the hard work and persistence of volunteers coordinated by Buglife, funded by NatureScot, the lacewing has been found at further sites in Holyrood Park and along the Aberdeenshire coast.

This project goes to show the immense debt we owe to volunteers, upon whom we rely for so much of our knowledge of Scotland’s biodiversity and for on the ground conservation.

For more information

Detailed summaries of progress towards this target can be found online.

What are we doing

Scotland’s Biodiversity Route Map provides an overview of progress to March 2019 on the 12 Priority Projects and associated 14 targets and 79 underpinning actions in the Route Map. The table shows progress on projects which help towards meeting the Aichi targets.

ority Project	Relevance	Status
PP1 – Restoration of peatlands	Ambitious peatland restoration programme underway, contributing to the EU 15% degraded ecosystem restoration target.
PP2 – Restoration of native woodlands	Increase the amount of native woodland in good condition (upwards from 46% as identified by the Native Woodland Survey of Scotland).
PP2 – Restoration of native woodlands	3,000 to 5,000 ha new native woodland creation per year.
PP2 – Restoration of native woodlands	Restore approximately 10,000 ha of native woodland into satisfactory condition in partnership with private woodland owners through Deer Management Plans.
PP3 – Restoration of freshwaters	Achieve agreed ecological water quality objectives under the Water Framework Directive of river and lake water bodies and to contribute to meeting conservation objectives (including Natura 2000 sites) through scoping improvements to physical modifications.
PP8 – Protected areas in good condition	Focus action on those sites that are in most need of effective conservation management
PP8 – Protected areas in good condition	Work towards improving the condition of protected sites in the longer term
PP9 – Conservation of priority species	Deliver focussed action for priority species in Scotland.
PP11 – Sustainable land management	Promotion of measures to support biodiversity under CAP: sites demonstrating good practice aimed at supporting wildlife.
PP12 – Increase environmental status of our seas	10% of Scotland’s seas to be incorporated in nature conservation Marine Protected Areas.

 

AICHI TARGET 13 - GENETIC DIVERSITY MAINTAINED

Aichi Global Target

By 2020, the genetic diversity of cultivated plants and farmed and domesticated animals and of wild relatives, including other socio-economically as well as culturally valuable species, is maintained, and strategies have been developed and implemented for minimizing genetic erosion and safeguarding their genetic diversity.

Scotland’s Progress – meeting target

There is no universally agreed metric of how genetic diversity should be measured and the subject itself is complex. However, Scotland has developed metrics for wild species to complement our knowledge of cultivated plants and farmed and domesticated animals. A detailed assessment of key species is published as a supplementary report. The UK’s first Gene Conservation Unit (GCU) was declared at Beinn Eighe in Wester Ross for Scots pine and further GCUs are being developed. Overall there are effective monitoring schemes in place and active genetic conservation programmes.

Moving forwards from 2020

Continue to promote and develop effective monitoring schemes in place and active genetic conservation programmes.

Target 13 – Scottish Success Story – Gene Conservation Units

Genetic diversity is one of the three strands of biodiversity recognised in the Convention on Biological Diversity, and is key to nature's resilience. To date however, conservation of genetic diversity has lagged behind that of species and ecosystems. Gene Conservation Units offer a means of allowing biodiversity to adapt to changing conditions, whether caused by climate change, novel pests and pathogens or other pressures. GCUs protect functioning (reproducing, demographically dynamic) populations as an explicit goal within their management plans.

Beinn Eighe in Wester Ross was certified as the UK’s first GCU in 2019. The following year, it was joined by a further three sites in Scotland when specialists at UKCEH and the Woodland Trust identified the new GCUs as priority sites with good prospects for maintaining healthy populations of the target trees. The GCUs will protect diversity in Scots pine, sessile oak, rowan and silver birch.

For more information

Detailed summaries of progress towards this target can be found online.

What are we doing

Scotland’s Biodiversity Route Map provides an overview of progress to March 2019 on the 12 Priority Projects and associated 14 targets and 79 underpinning actions in the Route Map. The table shows progress on projects which help towards meeting the Aichi targets.

Priority Project	Relevance	Status
PP9 – Conservation of priority species	Deliver focussed action for priority species in Scotland.
PP11 – Sustainable land management	Targeted support for sustainable land management

 

AICHI TARGET 14 – ECOSYSTEMS & SERVICES SAFEGUARDED

Aichi Global Target

By 2020, ecosystems that provide essential services, including services related to water, and contribute to health, livelihoods and well-being, are restored and safeguarded, taking into account the needs of women, indigenous and local communities, and the poor and vulnerable.

Scotland’s Progress – insufficient progress

Scotland has a variety of ecosystems which provide essential services for environmental, cultural, recreational and economic purposes. These include large rivers and lochs, woodlands along with an extensive coastline and marine area. The overall measure shows Scotland’s natural capital deteriorated historically until the 1990s. Most habitat types were declining during this period, especially bogs and grassland. However, stocks have stabilised or slightly improved since 2000. Numerous policies, directives and legislation help us to safeguard these ecosystems. The biodiversity duty placed on all public sector bodies in Scotland further protects them. Clean drinking water is widely available with 99.91% of samples at point of use meeting EU Drinking Water Directive standards.

Moving forwards from 2020

Continue to work developing policies, directives and legislation help us to safeguard Scotland’s ecosystems.

Target 14 – Scottish Success Story – The Eddleston Water Project

The Tweed Forum has brought together a wide range of partners including the Scottish Government, SEPA, University of Dundee, British Geological Survey, Nature Scot, Scottish Borders Council, the Forestry and Land Scotland, National Farmers’ Union of Scotland, Scottish Land and Estates  the Tweed Foundation, Forest Carbon and the Woodland Trust. They have embarked on an ambitious programme to revitalise the Eddleston Water, enhancing its value for biodiversity and its role in natural flood management. The work includes re-meandering the river and creating new wetlands, and planting riverside trees all of which will slow the flow when the river is in spate. By planting over 200,000 native trees, creating 22 ponds and 101 log structures, the project has transformed the river from ‘Bad’ to ‘Moderate’ Ecological Status. This has also benefited species such as the Atlantic salmon, otter, and other freshwater animals and plants.

For more information

Detailed summaries of progress towards this target can be found online.

What are we doing?

Scotland’s Biodiversity Route Map provides an overview of progress to March 2019 on the 12 Priority Projects and associated 14 targets and 79 underpinning actions in the Route Map. The table shows progress on projects which help towards meeting the Aichi targets.

Priority Project	Relevance	Status
PP1 – Restoration of peatlands	Ambitious peatland restoration programme underway, contributing to the EU15% degraded ecosystem restoration target
PP2 – Restoration of native woodlands	Increase the amount of native woodland in good condition (upwards from 46% as identified by the Native Woodland Survey of Scotland).
PP2 – Restoration of native woodlands	3,000 to 5,000 ha new native woodland creation per year.
PP2 – Restoration of native woodlands	Restore approximately 10,000 ha of native woodland into satisfactory condition in partnership with private woodland owners through Deer Management Plans.
PP3 – Restoration of fresh waters	Achieve agreed ecological water quality objectives under the Water Framework Directive of river and lake water bodies and to contribute to meeting conservation objectives (including Natura 2000 sites) through scoping improvements to physical modifications.
PP4 – Investment in natural capital	Businesses are more aware of their reliance on Scotland's natural capital, and more investment is being made in building natural capital.
PP10 – Improving ecological connection	Improve connectivity between habitats and ecosystems.
PP11 – Sustainable land management	Promotion of measures to support biodiversity under CAP: sites demonstrating good practice aimed at supporting wildlife.
PP12 – Increase environmental status of our seas	10% of Scotland’s seas to be incorporated in nature conservation Marine Protected Areas.

AICHI TARGET 15 - ECOSYSTEMS RETORED & RESILIENCE ENHANCED

Aichi Global Target

By 2020, ecosystem resilience and the contribution of biodiversity to carbon stocks has been enhanced, through conservation and restoration, including restoration of at least 15 per cent of degraded ecosystems, thereby contributing to climate change mitigation and adaptation and to combating desertification.

Scotland’s Progress – meeting target

Reversing ecosystem degradation, loss and fragmentation are key aims of the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy.  Considerable efforts have been made on restoration of some of Scotland’s most threatened habitats over the past few years.  In particular peatlands and rivers have seen focused efforts which help towards Scotland’s climate change targets. Rivers have seen continuous improvement in condition over the last 25 years. The area of woodland has more than trebled since 1900, though much of this is non-native commercial plantations.

Moving forwards from 2020

The Covid-19 pandemic reinforced the importance of focusing effort to restore and improve resilience of key ecosystems throughout Scotland.

Target 15 – Scottish Success Story – Peatland Restoration in Scotland

Peatland ACTION is restoring on more than 10,000 hectares of degraded peatlands.

MAP INSERT

The Peatland ACTION project is helping to restore damaged peatlands in Scotland. Since 2012, over 25,000 hectares have been put on the road to recovery with funding provided by the Scottish Government. Peatlands in good health are valuable and have many benefits to us all.

In February 2020, the Scottish Government announced a substantial, multi-annual investment in peatland restoration of more than £250 million over the next 10 years. Recognising that restoring peatlands is one of the most effective ways of locking in carbon; offering a clear nature-based solution to the climate crisis.

Peatland restoration can also play a key role in Scotland’s green recovery, by supporting the rural economy through the creation and development of land-based jobs and skills across Scotland.

For more information

Detailed summaries of progress towards this target can be found online.

What are we doing

Scotland’s Biodiversity Route Map provides an overview of progress to March 2019 on the 12 Priority Projects and associated 14 targets and 79 underpinning actions in the Route Map. The table shows progress on projects which help towards meeting the Aichi targets.

Priority Project	Relevance	Status
PP1 – Restoration of peatlands	Peatland Action - store and sequestrate carbon through peatland management covering 5,100 ha.
PP1 – Restoration of peatlands	Flow Country Peatland Restoration - setting an international benchmark for good practice.
PP2 – Restoration of native woodlands	Increase the amount of native woodland in good condition (upwards from 46% as identified by the Native Woodland Survey of Scotland).
PP2 – Restoration of native woodlands	3,000 to 5,000 ha new native woodland creation per year.
PP2 – Restoration of native woodlands	Restore approximately 10,000 ha of native woodland into satisfactory condition in partnership with private woodland owners through Deer Management Plans.
PP3 – Restoration of freshwaters	Achieve agreed ecological water quality objectives under the Water Framework Directive of river and lake water bodies and to contribute to meeting conservation objectives (including Natura 2000 sites) through scoping improvements to physical modifications.

 

AICHI TARGET 16 - NAGOYA PROTOCOL IN FORCE & OPERATIONAL

Aichi Global Target

By 2015, the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization is in force and operational, consistent with national legislation.

Scotland’s Progress – meeting target

The UK signed the Nagoya Protocol in 2011. Following public consultation in 2014 the Nagoya Protocol (User Compliance) Regulations 2015 were laid before the UK Parliament on 23 March 2015. Guidance on compliance and provision of an Access and Benefit-sharing (ABS) information platform provides a key tool for facilitating the implementation of the Nagoya Protocol.

Moving forwards from 2020

Continue to work to comply with the legislation and the spirit of international cooperation that underlies it.

NAGOYA PROTOCOL IN FORCE & OPERATIONAL

The UK is a signatory of the Nagoya Protocol and it passed into UK law under the Nagoya Protocol (Compliance) Regulations 2015. Organisations in Scotland comply with the legislation and the spirit of international cooperation that underlies it. Scottish Scientists were heavily involved in developing the Consortium of European Taxonomic Facilities’ Code of Conduct, which is the EU’s framework for best practice on Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS).

Target 16 – Scottish Success Story – Case Study: Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

The RBGE’s four gardens at Edinburgh, Benmore, Dawyck and Logan attract over one million visitors every year. Together they constitute one of the richest plant collections on earth, with 13,500 plant species from 157 countries, 60% of them from wild origin.

The RBGE herbarium contains over three million specimens of which over 15% are fully digitised and available online. The RBGE also makes physical material available to scientists and researchers around the world for genetic sequencing, and these samples are used in studies including anatomy, morphology, palynology, photochemistry and pollen analysis.

AICHI TARGET 17 - NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY & ACTION PLAN

Aichi Global Target

By 2015 each Party has developed, adopted as a policy instrument, and has commenced implementing an effective, participatory and updated national biodiversity strategy and action plan.

Scotland’s Progress – meeting target

The Scottish Biodiversity Strategy; 2020 Challenge for Scotland’s Biodiversity was approved by the Scottish Cabinet and published in 2013. This document sets the strategic direction for biodiversity action in Scotland towards 2030. The Route Map to 2020, published in 2015, provides a clear focus for activity which will significantly contribute to the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy.  Both documents represent the policy instruments for biodiversity in Scotland.

Moving forwards from 2020

Continue to develop and promote the key work within the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy, and develop a post-2020 strategy, and outlined in the Scottish Government’s statement of intent.

NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY & ACTION PLAN

The Scottish Biodiversity Strategy was first published in 2004. Since then it has been updated to keep abreast of the pressures and opportunities that affect nature, and to stay in line with our international obligations under the Convention on Biological Diversity. The most recent refresh, 2020 Challenge for Scotland’s Biodiversity, was approved by the Scottish Cabinet 2013. The full strategy is available online.

Target 17 – Scottish Success Story –2020 Challenge for Scotland’s Biodiversity

As well as having a Scottish Biodiversity Strategy our Route Map to 2020, set six big steps for nature and focuses action on the ground. Many of the case studies in this report come from projects that formed part of the Route Map.

The current cycle of biodiversity targets was scheduled to end in 2020, however, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted on the development by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) of a new global biodiversity framework and associated targets for 2030. Nevertheless, the pressures on biodiversity continue and in order both to keep momentum during the interim and to prepare Scotland for future challenges, the Scottish Government published a high level Statement of Intent on biodiversity in December 2020.  This statement sets the direction and ambition for the next biodiversity strategy and commits to produce it within 12 months of the next CBD Conference of Parties (CoP15) bridging the period between the start of 2021 and the international biodiversity Conference of the Parties (CoP 5).

For more information

Detailed summaries of progress towards this target can be found online.

AICHI TARGET 18 – TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE RESPECTED

Aichi Global Target

By 2020, the traditional knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous and local communities relevant for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, and their customary use of biological resources, are respected, subject to national legislation and relevant international obligations, and fully integrated and reflected in the implementation of the Convention with the full and effective participation of indigenous and local communities, at all relevant levels.

Scotland’s Progress – meeting target

Scotland’s traditional languages and the knowledge held by their speakers have gained greater protection since 2005, following the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005. New research is safeguarding and sharing traditional knowledge. The rights of communities have been enhanced through several pieces of legislation, particularly since 2000. Traditional land management practices, such as crofting, benefit nationally and internationally important biodiversity.

Moving forwards from 2020

Continue to promote the Gaelic language plan and work on traditional land management practices important to biodiversity.

Traditional Knowledge Respected

Although Scotland does not have indigenous people in the sense of the United Nations definition, the rights of all peoples are safeguarded in legislation, as is the status of Gaelic and Scots. Scotland also plays an important role on promoting subnational governments’ leadership in protecting biodiversity.

Target 18 – Scottish Success Story – The Edinburgh Declaration

Despite the COVID pandemic, which prevented in person attendance, Scotland played virtual host to delegates from subnational, city and local governments from around the world in 2020. The resulting Edinburgh Declaration recognised the work already done, emphasising the important role played by subnational authorities, businesses and private citizens in delivering action on the ground. It also called for greater efforts to halt biodiversity declines. To date, the Declaration has been signed or endorsed by more than 130 signatories from Europe, Africa, Asia and North and South America. As well as showing commitment to the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Declaration emphasises inclusivity of local stakeholders around the globe.

For more information

Detailed summaries of progress towards this target can be found online.

AICHI TARGET 19 - KNOWLEDGE IMPROVED, SHARED AND APPLIED

Aichi Global Target

By 2020, knowledge, the science base and technologies relating to biodiversity, its values, functioning, status and trends, and the consequences of its loss, are improved, widely shared and transferred, and applied.

Scotland’s Progress – meeting target

Scotland has made significant efforts in data delivery and data management systems with The NBN Atlas Scotland, Scotland’s Environment Web, and the Marine Scotland data publishing portal all contributing greatly to improving sharing and application of Scotland’s knowledge. The 2019 State of Nature in Scotland report was produced by a partnership of NGOs and Government agencies. The report is an agreed evidence base with transparent methods and is accessible to all. Volunteers and researchers make large contributions to the numbers of species and habitats records and the way we use them. The Scottish Biodiversity Information Forum (SBIF) Review is looking at the future options for biological data management across Scotland as part of the process to ensure that the necessary structures are in place to collect and disseminate biological information. Improved information on the consequences in the loss, values, and functions of Scotland’s biodiversity, could aid us in prioritising conservation action.

Moving forwards from 2020

We continue to develop the future options for biological data management across Scotland as part of the process to ensure that the necessary structures are in place to collect and disseminate biological information.

Target 19 – Scottish Success Story – State of Nature Report

Having a scientifically rigorous evidence base that is accepted by key stakeholders is an invaluable foundation for effective conservation. The State of Nature Scotland 2019 report did just that and gives us insight into how biodiversity is faring. It shows that from 1994 to 2016, 49% of Scottish species have decreased but 28% have increased in abundance. Following on from the State of Nature reports in 2013 and 2016, leading professionals from more than 70 wildlife organisations have for the first time joined with Government agencies to present the clearest picture to date of the status of species across the land and sea. NatureScot is one of the State of Nature 2019 partners. Together we gathered data used in both the Scottish and UK reports, and helped to interpret what was found, enabling us collectively to make the 2019 report an agreed evidence base for the status of biodiversity. The report was largely based on records submitted by volunteer citizen scientists across the country, without whom our understanding of Scotland’s nature would be greatly reduced. Volunteers submit records as part of organised schemes and from their sightings of wildlife wherever it may be.

Target 19 – Scottish Success Story – Scotland’s Marine Assessment

The Scotland’s Marine Assessment 2020  portal reports on the vision for the seas: ‘clean, healthy, safe, productive, biologically diverse marine and coastal environments, managed to meet the long-term needs of nature and people’.

Scotland’s seas, an area within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) covering approximately 462,000 km², have economic activity worth £5.1 billion (Gross Value Added (GVA)) to the Scottish economy excluding oil and gas extraction and £14.7 billion including oil and gas.

By delivering an assessment of both the state of Scotland’s seas and of the main activities and pressures in the various Scottish Marine Regions and Offshore Marine Regions, Scotland’s Marine Assessment 2020 fulfils the requirement of the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 which requires that, prior to reviewing the National Marine Plan, an assessment of the state of Scotland’s seas is undertaken. The Assessment presents, where possible, trends for the period 2014 to 2018 with longer term data presented where this sets the 2014 to 2018 period in a longer term context.

For more information

Detailed summaries of progress towards this target can be found online.

What are we doing

Scotland’s Biodiversity Route Map provides an overview of progress to March 2019 on the 12 Priority Projects and associated 14 targets and 79 underpinning actions in the Route Map. The table shows progress on projects which help towards meeting the Aichi targets.

Priority Project	Relevance	Status
PP1 – Restoration of peatlands	Ambitious peatland restoration programme underway, contributing to the EU 15% degraded ecosystem restoration target.
PP9 – Conservation of priority species	Deliver focussed action for priority species in Scotland.
PP11 – Sustainable land management	Promotion of measures to support biodiversity under CAP: sites demonstrating good practice aimed at supporting wildlife.

 

AICHI TARGET 20 - FINANCIAL RESOURCES FROM ALL SOURCES INCREASED

Aichi Global Target

By 2020, at the latest, the mobilization of financial resources for effectively implementing the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 from all sources, and in accordance with the consolidated and agreed process in the Strategy for Resource Mobilization, should increase substantially from the current levels. This target will be subject to changes contingent to resource needs assessments to be developed and reported by Parties.

Scotland’s Progress – insufficient progress

The UK indicator shows a decline in funding for biodiversity since 2010/11. Overall government funding for biodiversity in Scotland has increased over the same period, mainly through specific targeted projects, such as the Green Infrastructure Strategic Intervention Programme and the Peatland Action Programme. Whilst core funding of organisations with a specific biodiversity remit has declined since 2010/11, targeted projects have led to an increase in total financial resources allocated to biodiversity in Scotland over the last two years.

Moving forwards from 2020

Continue to target financial resources towards biodiversity. There are many ways in which financial resources are made available for biodiversity from the generosity of individuals to corporate donations, but the largest source of funding in Scotland and the UK is the government. Sometimes funding is linked to other benefits such as mitigating climate change or encouraging public access to the countryside, both of which can also have major biodiversity benefits.

Target 20 – Scottish Success Story – Biodiversity Challenge Fund and re-wooding the River Calder

The Biodiversity Challenge Fund (BCF) is a competitive fund launched in February 2019, which specifically encourages applicants with innovative projects that improve biodiversity, and address the impact of climate change, by increasing the resilience of our most at-risk habitats and species and creating large areas of new or restored habitat.

One BCF project is taking place in Speyside. Over 22 ha of riparian woodland along 3.5 km of the River Calder, an upland tributary of the River Spey (SAC), will be created by installing deer fencing to remove grazing pressure, by planting with native tree species (15,500 trees) and through encouraging natural regeneration. The benefits will include new riparian woodland habitat, and improved in-river habitat and water quality for salmon, trout and other aquatic species. The woodland, a nature-based solution, will mitigate against the predicted impacts of climate change by helping to control water temperature by shading, providing natural flood management benefits and sequestering carbon.

For more information

Detailed summaries of progress towards this target can be found online.

Acknowledgements

The preparation of this report was led by Simon Foster and David O’Brien with considerable input from Alan Cameron, Iain Macdonald, Professor Des Thompson and Debbie Bassett.