The Scottish Government has introduced the Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill to Parliament, outlining proposals to restore nature and protect biodiversity. The legislation will now be considered by MSPs.

The Bill would place a duty on Ministers to set legally-binding nature restoration targets and modernise the management of national parks and deer. It is a key component of the Scottish Government's Strategic Framework for Biodiversity and complements the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy and related delivery plans.

Recognising the interconnectedness of the climate crisis and biodiversity loss, the Bill proposes actions to address both, aiming to protect biodiversity and reduce harmful carbon emissions.

Key aspects of the Bill include:

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• A duty on Scottish Ministers to set legally-binding targets for nature restoration.

• A power to amend Environmental Impact Assessment legislation and the 1994 Habitats Regulations.

• Modernised aims for National Parks and powers for National Park Authorities.

• Reforms to deer management, including implementing recommendations from the Deer Working Group, repealing venison dealing licensing, and amending NatureScot's powers of intervention.

"We all depend on nature – to provide our food, help prevent flooding, tackle the climate crisis and contribute to our wellbeing," said Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs Mairi Gougeon. "But right now around 11% of species in Scotland are under threat and if we do not take urgent action, nature in Scotland will continue to decline and some important species might be lost forever."

Ms. Gougeon emphasised the need to tackle the climate emergency and nature loss together, stating that improving biodiversity is crucial for adapting to climate change. She also stressed the importance of collaboration with land managers, farmers, and crofters.

NatureScot Chair Colin Galbraith welcomed the Bill, particularly the inclusion of statutory targets for nature restoration.

"These are an essential part of achieving the vision set out in the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy for the recovery of nature," he said. He also noted that the proposed changes to deer legislation will aid in restoring priority areas like native woodlands and peatlands.