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Scotland update. Greg Mudge, SNH Chair, Action Coordination Group. Challenges in adoption of an ecosystem approach to biodiversity delivery: Converting concept into practical meaning Shifting traditional emphasis on species and habitats. SCOTTISH BIODIVERSITY COMMITTEE.
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Scotland update Greg Mudge, SNH Chair, Action Coordination Group
Challenges in adoption of an ecosystem approach to biodiversity delivery: • Converting concept into practical meaning • Shifting traditional emphasis on species and habitats
SCOTTISH BIODIVERSITY COMMITTEE ACTION COORDINATION GROUP BIT Upland ecosystems Woodland SCIENCE GROUP Marine & Coastal ecosystems PEOPLE GROUP Freshwater & Wetland Lowland & Farmland Working Group structure Cross-cutting : LBAP network Scottish Lead Partners
The suite of biodiversity targets for Scotland • Scotland’s 2020 targets • Ecosystem health targets • Priority habitat targets • Priority species targets • Other targets
What is Ecosystem Health ? A healthy ecosystem is one whose structure and functions enable it to continue to deliver its full range of services into the foreseeable future
So ecosystem health targets need to address: • Ecosystem structure • Functional processes • Services And they must be SMART
Relevant parameters include: • Extent • Condition • Connectivity • Sustainable use • Pollution • Resilience
Other considerations • Climate change adaptation • Keystone species • INNS • Mix of key services Recreation Timber Flood regulation
SCALE For practical purposes targets need to be set within the context of broad ecosystems but be relevant at a range of geographical scales, for example: whole of Scotland, WFD river basin sub-catchments (11 in Scotland), or Natural Heritage Futures Areas (15 in Scotland).
Steps in the process • Define scale of the target. • Establish a vision for the broad ecosystem within which to set the targets (with stakeholder involvement). • Establish SMART targets for: • Extent • Condition = structure + function + species diversity • Ecosystem services. • Develop actions to deliver targets. • Establish progress tracking mechanisms: • Indicators • Surveillance • Site condition monitoring.
Uplands Vision for the broad ecosystem Aesthetic Values Recreation & ecotourism Carbon Storage Water Regulation Erosion Control Challenge: managing grazing / burning in upland ecosystems
Way ahead • Establish ecosystem demonstration / pilot projects in a range of settings • Develop broader initiatives using tools like the Land Use Strategy and agri-environment developments