Protected Areas included in 30 by 30
Providing clear information on the rationale for inclusion of protected areas types contributing towards the 30 by 30 target in Scotland.
The challenge
The 30 by 30 target uses Protected Areas and Nature30 as the two ways by which Scotland can reach at least 30% of land and fresh water protected and conserved for nature by 2030.
The 30 by 30 target is about much more than just coverage. It also details that these areas must be, amongst other things, effectively and equitably managed and governed.
Scotland has numerous different area-based designations in place, many with biodiversity at their core, but with varying aims and drivers for their creation. It's important that only Protected Areas types that meet the requirements of 30 by 30 are included in reporting on our progress to this target.
Current state
As outlined in the 30 by 30 Framework, the following designations are included in our current baseline of 18.2% terrestrial coverage
- Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs, currently excluding those for geological features only),
- Special Protection Areas and Special Areas of Conservation (SPAs and SACs, collectively known as European sites),
- Ramsar sites and
- National Nature Reserves (NNRs).
For comparison, 37% of Scotland’s seas are considered protected.
This 18.2% is made up of over 1,800 terrestrial protected areas for nature in Scotland. These areas protect wildlife as well as ecosystems at various scales. They also help protect vital services that nature provides for people. Currently 78% of habitats, species and geological landforms within the sites are in favourable condition.
The top pressures affecting the condition of designated sites in Scotland are invasive species, overgrazing and water management.
Ambition
NatureScot is undertaking a review process in which each of the designation types currently contributing to 30 by 30, alongside other designation types currently not included in 30 by 30, are to be assessed against the 30 by 30 target elements.
This not only looks to provide a robust justification for inclusion or exclusion but also allows exploration of ways in which currently excluded designation types could, where appropriate, be included in the future with changes.
The different designation types are reviewed against the various 30 by 30 target elements. These include;
- Long term assurance
- Evidence of biodiversity value on site
- Effective management (such as evidence of management plans and governing authorities’ ability to enact the plan)
In most instances, this will involve reviewing the designation’s site identification and notification process, supporting guidance, and randomised checks on sites’ reporting.
In line with the IUCN, these assessments will not be static and will be reviewed regularly accommodating any changes and ensuring types continue to meet the 30 by 30 Target.
One piece of the puzzle
Its important to note that the 30 by 30 target is just one of 23 different targets that were considered necessary to tackle the biodiversity crisis and together form part of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) for which Scotland, via the UK, is a signatory.
Some designations in Scotland may not align with 30 by 30 (Target 3) but, will be delivering against one of the other GBF targets and remain just as vital in helping to bend the curve from biodiversity loss to a biodiversity increasing Scotland.
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