Scotland update
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In Scotland, the Action Coordination Group, led by Greg Mudge from SNH, tackles the challenges of adopting an ecosystem approach to biodiversity delivery. This initiative emphasizes converting concepts into actionable plans and shifting focus from species to broader ecosystems. Key areas of focus include setting SMART targets for ecosystem health, addressing vital factors such as pollution and resilience, and fostering collaboration among various working groups. Alongside traditional biodiversity efforts, the vision encompasses sustainable practices in upland, woodland, marine, and freshwater ecosystems to ensure a thriving environment for future generations.
Scotland update
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Presentation Transcript
Scotland update Greg Mudge, SNH Chair, Action Coordination Group
Challenges in adoption of an ecosystem approach to biodiversity delivery: • Converting concept into practical meaning • Shifting traditional emphasis on species and habitats
SCOTTISH BIODIVERSITY COMMITTEE ACTION COORDINATION GROUP BIT Upland ecosystems Woodland SCIENCE GROUP Marine & Coastal ecosystems PEOPLE GROUP Freshwater & Wetland Lowland & Farmland Working Group structure Cross-cutting : LBAP network Scottish Lead Partners
The suite of biodiversity targets for Scotland • Scotland’s 2020 targets • Ecosystem health targets • Priority habitat targets • Priority species targets • Other targets
What is Ecosystem Health ? A healthy ecosystem is one whose structure and functions enable it to continue to deliver its full range of services into the foreseeable future
So ecosystem health targets need to address: • Ecosystem structure • Functional processes • Services And they must be SMART
Relevant parameters include: • Extent • Condition • Connectivity • Sustainable use • Pollution • Resilience
Other considerations • Climate change adaptation • Keystone species • INNS • Mix of key services Recreation Timber Flood regulation
SCALE For practical purposes targets need to be set within the context of broad ecosystems but be relevant at a range of geographical scales, for example: whole of Scotland, WFD river basin sub-catchments (11 in Scotland), or Natural Heritage Futures Areas (15 in Scotland).
Steps in the process • Define scale of the target. • Establish a vision for the broad ecosystem within which to set the targets (with stakeholder involvement). • Establish SMART targets for: • Extent • Condition = structure + function + species diversity • Ecosystem services. • Develop actions to deliver targets. • Establish progress tracking mechanisms: • Indicators • Surveillance • Site condition monitoring.
Uplands Vision for the broad ecosystem Aesthetic Values Recreation & ecotourism Carbon Storage Water Regulation Erosion Control Challenge: managing grazing / burning in upland ecosystems
Way ahead • Establish ecosystem demonstration / pilot projects in a range of settings • Develop broader initiatives using tools like the Land Use Strategy and agri-environment developments