Local authorities across Scotland are set to receive £10 million in direct funding to support new and enhance existing projects aimed at restoring biodiversity. The funding is being provided through the Nature Restoration Fund (NRF).

Since its launch in 2021, the NRF has awarded over £55 million to projects focused on habitat and species restoration, coastal and marine initiatives, and the control of invasive non-native species.

Acting Minister for Climate Action, Dr Alasdair Allan, emphasised the urgency of addressing biodiversity loss and climate change together. "Biodiversity is the variety of life on Earth, and is essential for sustaining the ecosystems that provide us with food, fuel, health, wealth, and other vital services. We know there is an urgent need to act decisively to address the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change together," he stated.

Dr Allan added, "Just like climate change, the loss of species and degradation of our natural environment is an existential threat to humanity. We have a vision for a future where Scotland’s natural environment is restored and supports thriving communities and wildlife alike. The Nature Restoration Fund is a vital mechanism to support projects across Scotland on land and at sea – that address the twin crises and restore our natural environment and supports a whole-of society approach to achieving these goals."

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The Edinburgh Process strand of the NRF specifically provides funding directly to Local Authorities to deliver nature restoration projects within their communities. This latest allocation brings the total amount awarded to local authorities through this strand to £32 million since 2021. 

The NRF aims to assist local authorities and their partners in protecting and restoring Scotland’s biodiversity across both land and sea. The Fund operates across five strategic themes: habitat and species restoration, freshwater restoration, coastal and marine initiatives, control of invasive non-native species, and urban enhancement of nature.

The Edinburgh Process strand focuses on delivering these strategic priorities at a sub-national level, which can yield multiple benefits, including improved health and well-being, the creation of green jobs, and enhancements in air and water quality, alongside supporting nature recovery.

NatureScot Chair Colin Galbraith commented on the importance of the fund: "The Nature Restoration Fund is helping environmental groups, communities and local authorities across Scotland take vital action for Scotland’s nature now. It’s crucial that we do everything we can to respond to the twin crises of nature loss and climate change. With this kind of support, we can make a positive and lasting difference that will put our land, seas and wildlife back on the road to recovery. This is not only good for nature, but good for people too as we all benefit from a healthy and thriving natural world."

The Scottish Government’s Strategic Framework for biodiversity, which includes the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy to 2045 and the Delivery Plan to 2030, sets out the nation’s ambition to halt biodiversity loss by 2030 and achieve significant progress in restoring nature by 2045.