Scotland

Much of the Scottish economy, especially in rural areas, depends directly or indirectly on work that utilises natural resources (biodiversity). Farming, forestry and fishing clearly depend on a healthy environment, as does tourism. For other sectors the link is less obvious, but no less vital. From crafts to cosmetics, medical research to alternative means of waste disposal, whisky distilling to glass blowing, nature provides the inspiration and solutions to many of society’s problems (Action for Scotland’s Biodiversity 2000). The fishing industry is based on harvesting the sea’s biodiversity; agriculture and forestry are about managing biodiversity; the whisky and spring water industries rely on clean water maintained by ‘ecosystem services’ provided by biodiversity; the production of high quality goods from native timber and gin from Scottish juniper berries; the list goes on (A Flying Start: Local Biodiversity Action in Scotland 2001).

Three out of every five tourists choose to visit Scotland for its natural beauty and wilderness. Wildlife and walking holidays provide some 30,000 jobs, and contribute nearly £300million to the Scottish economy. Many companies also use the Scottish countryside as a means of marketing their products internationally.

The Scottish Biodiversity Forum (SBF), formerly the Scottish Biodiversity Group (SBG), was formed in 1996. The SBF is chaired by the Scottish Executive and is responsible to Scottish Ministers for biodiversity work in Scotland to meet the UK’s and international commitments outlined in the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). A Business and Biodiversity Sub-Group was set up at this time to aid ‘the development of the biodiversity process throughout the business sector’ by increasing awareness, identifying the contribution businesses can make, and identifying opportunities where businesses can benefit from improved biodiversity’. An initiative COUNT, THINK, ACT with a poster, leaflet and PowerPoint presentation was developed by this group. Further guidance to business to support engagement and action on biodiversity is imminent.

In 2002 the SBF, has been tasked by Scottish Ministers to produce a Scottish Biodiversity Strategy with a 25-year vision to:

• Halt the loss of Scotland’s biodiversity and improve the status of Scotland’s priority species and habitats;
• Raise awareness of the many benefits of biodiversity by significantly increasing the number and range of people contributing to its conservation and enhancement.

The Scottish Biodiversity Strategy "It’s in Your Hands” was launched by the Scottish Executive in June 2004. The strategy sets out a 25 year framework for action to conserve and enhance biodiversity in Scotland. Click here to see the Strategy for 2005 – 2008. In addition, the Scottish Biodiversity Forum recently published the Strategy Implementation Plans 2005 -2007 at www.biodiversityscotland.org.uk. The plans have also been uploaded into the UK Biodiversity Action Reporting System (BARS). Click on Scottish Biodiversity Strategy under 'Database Search.'

One of the delivery mechanisms of this Strategy will be through Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) Partnerships. In many areas across Scotland, these Partnerships have already been working with businesses, helping companies to assess their impacts on biodiversity, identifying ways in which companies can become involved in biodiversity activities, and inputting into company biodiversity action plans for their sites. An LBAP is a vital tool for business to enable them to gain environmental certification. Companies are increasingly being expected to show green credentials, and LBAPs can help them identify what they need to do.

In Scotland Local Biodiversity Action Plans have been developed in order to meet the targets outlined in the UK Species and Habitat Action Plans and to address specific local opportunities and needs.

The North East Scotland (NES) Biodiversity Partnership initiated the NES Business and Biodiversity Project with support from Scottish Enterprise Grampian. A Business and Biodiversity Adviser promotes biodiversity by providing information, giving advice on options for actions, and identifying the benefits to companies of becoming involved in biodiversity activities. The NES LBAP has produced a booklet entitled Business and Biodiversity in North East Scotland (2002) that highlights best practice examples in the area, and is currently producing a range of Advice Notes outlining more ideas on how businesses can get involved in action for wildlife.

The Business Environment Partnership (BEP) works with Small to Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Scotland on developing and implementing environment management systems and biodiversity audits and action plans. BEP can be contacted on + 44 (0) 131 654 1234.

Legislation

The Nature and Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 received the Royal Assent and will come into affect later in 2004. The Bill delivers the legislative components for a "new system of nature conservation". It has three key Parts, reflecting the three central themes of that new system:
1. Conservation of biodiversity - A new general biodiversity duty will apply to all Scottish public bodies and office holders.
2. A thorough revision of the SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) system for protecting Scotland's most precious natural places.
3. Further effective action to combat wildlife crime - The Bill builds on the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2003.

Resources

A document Business And Biodiversity – A Good Practice Guide (With Particular Reference To Identifying Opportunities In Scotland) (forthcoming), prepared by Earthwatch for Scottish Natural Heritage in 2003, provides an overview of how companies operating in Scotland are already engaging with business. For a draft copy of this document click here.