SCOTLAND’S national parks have become the first in the world to join a UN-backed initiative which aims to halve global carbon emissions by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050.
Loch Lomond and the Trossachs and the Cairngorms have joined 13 other national parks in the UK in the Race to Zero land restoration project, which aims to increase the ability of land to capture carbon.
The collective commitment from the national parks could transform an area almost 35 times the size of Glasgow (610,000 hectares), through working with partners and local communities on nature-friendly practices, sustainable travel, renewable energy and sustainably produced food.
The landscapes within Scotland’s national parks are particularly suitable for soaking up carbon and greenhouse gases, with huge areas of peatland and woodland.
Collectively, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs and Cairngorms national parks restored 1793 hectares of peatland in 2023/24.
The restoration work means that degraded peatland which emits carbon and other greenhouse gases can be transformed into land which instead locks them up and, over time, absorbs them from the atmosphere.
Heather Reid, convener for Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority, said: “The Race to Zero initiative is driving global action and the UK's national parks have an opportunity, and a responsibility, to step up and realise our potential in tackling the climate and nature crises.
“Tackling these twin crises is not separate to supporting the rural economy and our communities.
“In fact, working together to address these will provide a range of wider benefits for the national park and its people, including more investment, business and employment opportunities.
“Collaboration is key to facing these challenges. Locally, we will work closely with partners and communities to future-proof our national park, and nationally, we will join with other UK national parks in the Race to Zero.”
Sandy Bremner, convener of the Cairngorms National Park Authority, said: “We are proud – alongside 14 other UK national parks – to join the Race to Zero initiative.
“Our national parks have a crucial role to play in turning the dialogue around climate change into positive action on the ground, working with local communities, farmers and land managers, businesses, visitors and others to ensure that people and nature thrive together.
“Thanks to our groundbreaking Cairngorms 2030 programme, we are committed to becoming the UK’s first net zero national park and, by sharing our progress every step of the way, hope to inspire rural communities both here in Scotland and across the world to join us on the journey.”
