Legislative proposals to help restore nature and protect biodiversity in Scotland have been introduced to Parliament.
The Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill, which will now be considered by MSPs, would, among other things:
Place a duty on Scottish ministers to set legally-binding targets for nature restoration.
Create a power to allow for future amendments to Environmental Impact Assessment legislation and the 1994 Habitats Regulations, to ensure that they remain fit for purpose over time and flexibly adapt to future requirements.
Modernise the aims of National Parks and powers of National Park Authorities.
The rationale is that a decline in biodiversity will make the climate crisis worse, while a changing climate will increase the rate of biodiversity loss. The Bill seeks to tackle the twin crises with measures to protect biodiversity and reduce carbon emissions.
Cabinet secretary for rural affairs, Mairi Gougeon, said around 11% of species in Scotland are under threat. “Improving our biodiversity is one of the best chances we have to adapt to climate change and ensure we can continue to enjoy nature’s benefits, on which we all depend.”
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