This conference will focus on next steps for biodiversity and nature protection in Scotland.
The agenda focuses specifically on issues in Scotland, but I thought that the content might still be of interest to you or others in your organisation - so please do pass this information to colleagues as appropriate, and we would be grateful to receive their contact details if this is possible.
It will be an opportunity for stakeholders and policymakers to examine implementation of key measures in the draft Strategic Framework for Biodiversity, including:
- the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy - with the target for Scotland to become nature positive by 2030, with restored and regenerated biodiversity by 2045
- options for a proposed Natural Environment Bill - which would introduce statutory and legally binding nature recovery targets
Delegates will examine the current state of biodiversity in Scotland and plans to deliver change outlined in the policy framework, including how to address the practicalities of biodiversity loss in the short-term, and longer-term actions, looking at issues and potential pathways towards The Scottish Government’s target.
The agenda focuses on key issues emerging from The Scottish Government’s consultation on the Framework, including calls for specific, measurable and achievable statutory targets, and a detailed baseline for biodiversity. We also expect discussion on strategic options for a potential national programme for species recovery, in the context of the Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill which recently passed Stage 3 in the Scottish Parliament and aims to provide a support framework to aid nature restoration.
Delegates will assess strategies for developing an effective monitoring and evaluation framework, and what will be needed to support key sectors to meet new proposed statutory targets, as well as priorities for supporting resilience in Scotland’s natural environment, and boosting the role of nature-based solutions in meeting wider climate and net zero targets.
Further sessions look at key considerations for balancing nature protection with productive agricultural output, and approaches to biodiversity conservation in the context of wider economic and industry growth. We expect discussion on reforms and proposals outlined in the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill, as well as the place of biodiversity and natural capital within Scotland’s economy.
We are pleased to be able to include keynote sessions with: Dr Dave Signorini, Director, Environment and Forestry, The Scottish Government; and Francesca Osowska, Chief Executive, NatureScot.