Scotland is facing a tough challenge in protecting its natural environment, and a lack of funding is a major hurdle. Francesca Osowska, who recently stepped down as the head of NatureScot, highlighted the urgent need for action. Scotland has committed to restoring 30% of its natural environment by 2030, but only 18% of land currently meets this target.
In her final interview with the Guardian, Osowska stressed that the government needs to prioritize nature restoration just as it has done with climate change. She believes that if policies across various sectors support this goal, Scotland could still achieve its targets.
Osowska pointed out that global leaders have been hesitant to adequately tackle the biodiversity crisis. She called for more global initiatives to fund nature restoration efforts. Despite the lofty goals of the Kunming declaration, there seems to be a lack of urgency. “It feels like we’re resting on our laurels,” she said.
Concerns are growing among environmental charities in Scotland regarding budget cuts to NatureScot. Over the last decade, real-term funding for the agency has decreased by 40%. This year, the Scottish government budget indicated a 12.8% cut, though Osowska noted that the overall budget would still increase due to additional money designated for nature recovery projects.
While funding is a critical issue, Osowska expressed cautious optimism about the government’s future plans for nature recovery and land reform. New legislation is expected, which could help redirect attention and resources toward environmental efforts. Despite recent shifts in political power, critical commitments to nature conservation, such as funding for restoration projects, remain in place.
As Scotland prepares for upcoming elections, the true test will be whether political parties prioritize environmental issues in their manifestos. Osowska is hopeful but recognizes that faster action is needed to protect Scotland’s natural heritage.
