I do, convener. I thank you for the invitation to discuss Scotland’s biodiversity and for the opportunity to make brief opening remarks. I welcome the committee’s continuing interest in Scotland’s biodiversity, which everyone acknowledges presents opportunities and challenges.
Since the committee last met to consider the subject, we have published the “2020 Challenge for Scotland’s Biodiversity”, which updates and complements Scotland’s biodiversity strategy, published in 2004. We are close to publishing “Scotland’s Biodiversity—a Route Map to 2020”. I am delighted to have been able to share with the committee a final pre-publication draft of the route map, on which I would be extremely happy to receive the committee’s thoughts prior to its publication next month. As you know, convener, I am always keen to hear the committee’s views and have its input, especially on such an issue, given its expertise and knowledge.
The route map sets out six big steps for nature and a number of priority collaborative projects that the Scottish Government and a wide range of partners are undertaking to improve the state of nature in Scotland and help towards meeting the Aichi goals and targets. The six big steps cover issues such as ecosystem restoration, wildlife conservation and the provision of quality green space for health and education.
The route map also recognises the importance of a range of biodiversity-related work that is focused on particular places and areas and which entails working collaboratively at a landscape scale and involving public agencies, local authorities, non-governmental organisations and others. I am aware that the committee heard something about the opportunities of such work at the round-table evidence-taking session with stakeholders and Scottish Government delivery bodies last week.
I acknowledge the substantial contribution of Scottish Natural Heritage as lead author of the route map and thank the many organisations that have been involved in its preparation—in particular, those that are represented on the delivery and monitoring group, which reports to the Scottish biodiversity committee, which I chair.
As we all know, biodiversity is a key component to our lives. It underpins our health and wellbeing and contributes significantly to our prosperity. That was set out in the “2020 Challenge for Scotland’s Biodiversity” and in the Scottish Government’s latest economic strategy, which highlighted that
“Protecting and enhancing”
our
“stock of natural capital … is fundamental to a healthy and resilient economy”
and
“supports sectors such as agriculture, forestry, fisheries, tourism and renewables.”
I am delighted to appear before the committee and I look forward to answering your questions.