SCOTLAND’S natural assets contribute more than £40 billion to the economy and support around 260,000 jobs, according to new research.
The Importance of Natural Capital to the Scottish Economy report has looked into the economic impact of natural capital, which is defined as “the renewable and non-renewable stocks of natural assets, including geology, soil, air, water and plants and animals that combine to yield a flow of benefits to people.”
The study demonstrates the link between the threats to Scotland’s economic performance, and the economic opportunity associated with increasing nature dependent sectors.
Speaking while visiting Blackthorn Salt in Ayrshire, which produces salt through filtering sea water, Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: “This research reinforces the vital role of our natural capital in supporting many of our vital industries – a connection that is often under-represented when we look at economic performance.
“The twin crises of climate change and nature loss are inextricably linked, nature offers some of the best ways to protect us from the worst impacts of climate change, so it is essential that we work with partners across the public sector and private investors to protect biodiversity and reduce our emissions as we support sustainable businesses utilising our incredible landscapes and ecosystems.”
Industries such as agriculture, fishing and aquaculture, forestry, water, food and drink and renewables all rely upon the continued availability of high-quality natural resources.
NatureScot Chief Executive, Francesca Osowska said: "Nature is vital for our quality of life and that of future generations.
“In Scotland we are fortunate to have rich and varied landscapes and habitats, with individuals and businesses willing to step up to the challenge of stopping nature loss with hard work and investment.
“NatureScot is responding to this urgent need with leadership of vital programmes such as the £250m Peatland ACTION fund, the £65m Nature Restoration Fund and the innovative new Facility for Investment Ready Nature Scotland (FIRNS) which aims to both restore nature and benefit communities.”
Last month, NatureScot chief executive Kath Leys said Scotland is “critical to achieving the goal” of “restoring biodiversity globally”.
An investigation from Carbon Brief and The Guardian found that 80% of countries had failed to submit their plans to preserve nature ahead of the COP16 summit last week – including the UK Government.
While Scotland can lead the way in this important area, Arina Russell, senior policy manager at WWF Scotland, believes this action must come sooner rather than later.
She said: “As one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world, with one in nine Scottish species at risk of extinction, the Scottish Government must step up to the plate with adequate nature funding, urgently implement its stalled biodiversity strategy and bring in without further delay a Natural Environment Bill that sets out legal targets and ends nature loss for good.”
