The 2020 Challenge for Scotland’s Biodiversity is a cross-sectoral policy. The timeframe of the Plan is 7 years between 2013 and 2020. The purposes of Scotland’s 2020 Challenge are: (i) to protect and restore biodiversity on land and in seas, and to support healthier ecosystems, (ii) to connect people with the natural world, for their health and wellbeing and to involve them more in decisions about their environment, and (iii) to maximise the benefits for Scotland of a diverse natural environment and the services it provides, contributing to sustainable economic growth. Ecosystem restoration and management will be encouraged and supported, especially in degraded catchments. Assessments of ecosystem health will be carried out at a catchment level to determine future actions, by government and public institutions including Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Scottish Natural Heritage, and Forestry Commission Scotland. A wildlife management framework will be developed for sustainable species management, conservation of wild species with a particular attention on endangered native species, and for the protection and restoration of habitats. Sustainable fisheries management will be developed to protect inland, coastal and marine fish species. The quality of life for local communities will be enhanced by improving local environments and enhancing biodiversity using green space and green networks. Access to nature will be increased for all with a particular focus on disadvantaged groups, in order to improve health and wellbeing through connecting people with nature. Income generation and employment opportunities arising from the protected areas will be safeguarded especially in rural Scotland. In order to recognize and account for the wider monetary and non-monetary values for ecosystem services, the Natural Capital Asset Index will be used in decision-making and market-based approaches. Capacity building at community and institutional level will be enhanced on biodiversity conservation as well as their positive contribution to nature and landscapes. A national ecological network will be established for the effective management of nature and environment. Land use management will be developed with an ecosystem approach to ensure their contribution to social, economic and environmental health through ecosystem services. The ecological status of water bodies will be improved by protecting the water environment and ensuring the sustainable use of water. Land and water managers will be encouraged to use best practices for environmentally responsible use of natural resources. A network of Marine Protected Areas will be established to promote sustainable use and conservation of marine species and ecosystems. The monitoring of the marine environment will be improved for the highest level protection of Scottish seas. The value of nature’s benefits will be measured by Strategic Environmental Assessment and Environmental Impact Assessment. Safe minimum standards and precautionary approaches will be adopted to sustain Scotland’s natural assets for current and future generations. A major programme of peatland conservation, management and restoration will be undertaken to ensure low carbon economy. Adaptive measures will be taken to protect species and habitats against the adverse impacts of climate change. Carbon reserves will be built through restoration and extension of natural habitats to help mitigate climate change. Furthermore protection of species will be ensured against reintroductions, invasive non-native species, pests and diseases. Biodiversity conservation and ecosystem preservation will be fully integrated into flood risk management plans, and wetland habitats and woodlands will be restored to provide sustainable flood management. Appropriate strategies will be developed for coastal zone management to adapt coastal ecosystems to climate change. The Scottish Biodiversity Information Forum will be developed to bolster the collection and wider use of biodiversity data in Scotland to track progress towards the 2020 outcomes. The Scottish Biodiversity Committee is the focal point for reporting on progress.
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland · 2013-01-01