Update on SNH activity on the SBS Challenge and Route Map to 2020 discussion

Transcription

1 SNH/16/08/A Update on SNH activity on the SBS Challenge and Route Map to 2020 discussion Summary 1. This paper provides an update on recent SNH activity in delivering the SBS 2020 Challenge and Route Map. Action 2. Board are asked to note and discuss the contents of the paper. Preparation of Paper 3. This paper has been prepared by Pete Rawcliffe with input from the SBS strategy communication and learning team in the People and Places Unit. The sponsor is Andrew Bachell, SNH Director of Policy and Advice. Background 4. The revised Scottish Biodiversity Strategy (2020 Challenge for Scotland s Biodiversity) was published in The strategy is structured around three aims: to protect and restore biodiversity; to connect people to the natural world; and to maximise the benefits and services we get from nature. Ten key outcomes are identified to achieve these aims and some of the steps necessary for delivery of them are set out. These steps have subsequently been expanded on in the SBS Route Map published by Scottish Government in June Rather than seek to capture all action for biodiversity, the Route Map focuses on the large scale, collaborative and significant activity organised around 12 priority projects, 64 specific actions and 8 supporting areas of work. 5. Collectively, the SBS 2020 Challenge and Route Map is are intended to deliver the Scottish Government international commitments to halting biodiversity loss set out by the Convention of Biological Diversity and EU Strategy on Biodiversity. Progress towards these commitments are assessed through the Aichi targets agreed as the global measures for halting biodiversity loss. Further information on these commitments and reporting requirements is provided in Annex A 6. SNH leads delivers nearly 60% of the actions within the route map, with work spread across 3 of SNH s portfolios caring for the natural world; enriching people s lives and promoting sustainable economic growth. Other work is led by Scottish Government, SEPA, FCS, Marine Scotland, environmental NGOs and other stakeholders. An overview of this activity is contained in Annex B. 1

2 7. Other work undertaken by a large number of organisations and groups also supports progress on our biodiversity targets and it is important that these organisations also remain engaged in the SBS 2020 challenge and Route Map process. To achieve this engagement, the development of individual delivery agreements with a range of government and non-government bodies was initiated by Scottish Government to complement statutory reporting undertaken on the biodiversity duty. 8. To support delivery of the SBS 2020 Challenge and Route Map, Scottish Government begun a review of governance arrangements in June This review sought to simplify previous governance arrangements set up in 2013 and in particular to reflect the formation of the RAFE Delivery Board. It was also hoped to better integrate the governance of the SBS with that of the Land Use Strategy (LUS.) This review has yet to be fully completed, and will now need to take into account the new portfolio arrangements. SNH s leadership role 9. In addition to its key delivery role, in May 2015 SNH was asked by Scottish Government to undertake the leadership role to ensure that the SBS 2020 Challenge and Route Map is implemented. This is a significant task for SNH, and was identified by our Minister at the time as the number one priority for the organisation. The role requires SNH to enthuse, engage and work with the many stakeholders relevant to this work and to champion, steer and co-ordinate it effectively on behalf of Scottish Government. It includes a number of specific elements, including measuring and reporting regularly on progress engaging, and communicating with, stakeholders and the general public about the 2020 challenge; and keeping the route map up-to-date by identifying any new work that is needed to address the systematic pressures that are currently leading to biodiversity loss. 10. Progress since the route map was published includes First 6 monthly report on progress for Scottish Government with actions prepared (November 2015) showing good progress across each of the priority project and supporting work. An interim report on the Aichi targets prepared for Scottish Government to inform future reporting (July 2016) SEPA, FCS, CNPA, LLTNPA and RBGS delivery agreements published (April 2016) Communication plan developed and agreed with SBS co-ordination group The first annual SBS stakeholder event held at Battleby in March 2016 An internal SNH SBS workshop held at Battleby in July 2016 Quarterly biodiversity newsletter circulated 2

3 11. To oversee and help co-ordinate this work and engage others, SNH has established and chairs a co-ordination group involving SG, SEPA and FCS. A number of former working groups under the previous governance arrangements have also been reactivated and report to this co-ordination group. An important role for the RAFE communication group is also envisaged. The completion of the review of governance arrangements by Scottish Government will allow progress and issues can be reported and where necessary collective actions for government can be agreed. Next Steps 12. The first annual Route Map progress report is currently under preparation for completion by end of September. This will include a 2 nd report on progress with the actions, a 1 st report on progress against Route Map targets and also an update on progress with the Aichi targets. It will also consider any new actions or projects that are needed. 13. In January 2017, the Cabinet Secretary is required to report to the Scottish Parliament on progress on the implementation of the SBS 2020 Challenge. SNH will be expected to lead the preparation of this report. 14. To develop better engagement of different sectors in the implementation of the route map, we have begun supporting the development of a further round of delivery statements by key stakeholders such as Transport Scotland and NHS Health Scotland. 15. During this first year, the SNH and Young Scot youth panel on biodiversity is now established (now called ReRoute ) to explore how best to engage young people in Route Map delivery. We expect the panel to outline and develop its proposals for work during the next few months. 16. Finally, we are developing plans to use the publication of the SBS progress report to Scottish Parliament in Quarter 4 as an opportunity to increase awareness and commitment to this work across Scottish Government and key sectors. A step change in our communication activity to promote the progress made as well as the raising interest in the challenges ahead is also required, together with more emphasis on linking SNH outputs to the SBS challenge. Author: Pete Rawcliffe Date: August 2016 Contact Details: ; peter.rawcliffe@snh.gov.uk 3

4 Annex A Overview of SBS reporting requirements INTERNATIONAL- Convention on Biological Diversity The Convention on Biological Diversity (CoP 10) adopted the Strategic Plan and the 20 Aichi Targets setting global targets for The UK is a signatory. NATIONAL UK Convention on Biological Diversity Sixth National Report - UK level due December 2018 Monitoring based on four country Aichi reports and biodiversity strategy reports Global Plant Strategy due December 2018 SCOTLAND Scottish Biodiversity Strategy 2020 Challenge for Scotland s Biodiversity The 2020 Challenge is Scotland s response to the Aichi Targets (2010) set by the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (2010) and the European Union s Biodiversity Strategy for 2020 (2011). Reporting Ministerial 3-yearly report to Parliament on progress due January 2017 Monitoring through delivery of International Aichi Targets and Scottish biodiversity and people engagement Indicators (Lead SNH) Scotland - Route Map to 2020 Sets out 12 Priority Projects undertaken on a large scale and requiring partnership working Reporting Annual - due September 2016 Monitoring through delivery of projects and Route Map targets (Lead SNH) Scotland Report on Aichi Targets Sets out the progress made towards the Aichi targets in Scotland. Reporting Interim report due June 2016, First Annual Report due September Monitoring through Scottish biodiversity Indicators, natural heritage trends and indicators plus development of new indicators (SNH lead) 4

5 Annex B - Overview of Route Map Projects and Actions showing lead responsibilities for delivery - SNH lead indicated by yellow (sole lead) and amber (shared with other RAFE partner) fill. Priority Project On-going work Future Work Restoration peatland Restoration native woodlands Restoration freshwaters of of of Benefits from and investment in Natural Capital More people experiencing and enjoying nature Taking Learning Outdoors Developing Scotland s Natural Health Service Protected areas in good Restore 5,100ha peatland Flow Country Peatland Restoration (RSPB) Woodland grants (FCS) Conservation Management on the National Forest Estate (FCS) Development of deer management plans to help restore native woodland Development and Implementation of two River Basin Management (SEPA) Physical restoration of rivers in priority catchments as part of the 'Pearls in Peril' LIFE Project Promote the Woodland Carbon Code (FCS) Develop the Peatland (IUCN Peatland Campaign) Developing the Natural Capital Asset Index Better provision and quality of greenspace through development planning and place-making (local authorities) Deliver national and local participation campaigns Develop more opportunities for volunteering and citizen science through SEWeb and Scotland Counts (SEPA/SNH) Provide outdoor learning information and opportunities on publically owned and managed land (SNH, FCS, NPAs) Supporting teachers through Outdoor and Woodland Learning (OWL) and Teaching in Nature (SNH/ FCS). Develop and promote a green exercise tool-kit for use by the health and environment sectors (SNH) Deliver a NHS Greenspace Demonstration Project Undertake work to ensure that at least 18% of land and freshwater is under conservation designation National Peatland plan published 15 peatland restoration demonstration events Implementation on Wild Deer: A National Approach Lowland deer management Atlantic Oakwood restoration (RSPB). Atlantic Hazelwood restoration Develop a community-based, riparian invasive non-native species (INNS) project ( RAFTS) Focused measures for biodiversity on priority catchments (SEPA). Physical restoration of 4 pilot catchments (SEPA). Contribute to IUCN report on River Restoration and Biodiversity project (SNH) Identify opportunities for new investment by business in green infrastructure, especially in the CSGN area (Scottish Forum on Natural Capital). Better information on opportunities to enjoy the outdoors (SNH, FCS, NHS HS) Delivering the National Walking and Cycling Network Green infrastructure in central Scotland (ERDF) Develop and improve greenspace provision and opportunities for outdoor learning close to schools in the most disadvantaged communities in Scotland. Support better mapping, provision and use of green exercise opportunities through area-based initiatives with health boards and local authorities Deliver 2nd phase of the NHS Greenspace Demonstration project to complete mainstreaming and use on the NHS estate Work towards improving the condition of protected sites in the longer term 5

6 condition Conservation of priority species Improving ecological connection Sustainable Land Management Increase environmental status of our seas Supporting work Focus action on those sites that are in most need of effective conservation management Freshwater pearl mussel conservation: Langholm Moorland Demonstration Project Eradication of North American mink l on the Outer Hebrides Removing black rats, and other remedial work, on Shiant islands (RSPB) Implement action plan for hen harriers (PAWS) Saving Scotland s Red Squirrels Project (SWT) Habitat management to support connections for eight sites within the CSGN area through EcoCo LIFE project Targeted land management support under SRDP Agri- Environment Climate and Forestry Grant Schemes (AFRC). Support for biodiversity on arable farms through the Ecological Focus Areas (AFRC) The Wildlife Estates Scotland (WES) Initiative (SLE). Demonstration Farms (SRUC/JHI). Develop the evidence base through setting and delivering surveillance/ monitoring strategy (MS) Complete the suite of MPAs and agreeing and delivering measures for their effective management (MS) Regional Marine Plans promoting ecological coherence between protected areas and safeguards priority marine features - (MS) Development of NCAI Ecosystem health indicators New habitat map of Scotland Development of citizen science opportunities Carbon rich soil map INNs prevention Raising awareness among businesses Engaging Young people Youth panel with Young Scot South Scotland golden eagle reinforcement project Wild cat action plan implemented Publish and implement conservation and management priorities Developing a suite of species focussed projects Publish and implement a pollinator strategy for Scotland Publish and implement a plant health strategy for Scotland (SG) Develop a national ecological network Develop integrated habitat 'opportunity' mapping for Central Scotland Support for landscape-scale agri-environment management under the new SRDP Environmental Cooperation Action (AFRC) Promotion of agri-environment and sustainable funding practices through SRDP Farm Advisory Service and Scottish Rural network (AFRC) Seeking EC approval to implement CAP greening through a certification scheme from 2016 (SG). Expand network of demonstration farms (GWCT & SRUC & JHI). 6