Scottish local authorities to restore biodiversity

Local authorities across Scotland will receive £10 million to support new, or enhance existing, approaches to restoring biodiversity through the Nature Restoration Fund (NRF).

Already, more than £55 million has been awarded through the NRF since its launch in 2021 for projects that restore species and habitats, coast and marine initiatives, and control of invasive non-native species.

The Edinburgh Process strand of the NRF provides funding directly local authorities to deliver restoration projects in their communities. The latest uplift will bring the total allocated to local authorities through the Edinburgh Process strand to £32 million as of 2021.

The NRF has five themes that are delivered across all funding streams: habitat and species restoration, freshwater restoration, coastline and marine initiatives, control of invasive non-native species, and urban.

Acting minster for climate action, Dr Alasdair Allan said: “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.

“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.”