Responding to the draft Scottish budget, Deborah Long, Chief Officer at Scottish Environment LINK, said:
“The First Minister has committed to tackling the environmental crises as a priority for his government. This budget was a test of whether this commitment would be matched by appropriate funding.
“The increased investment in peatland restoration and for the Atlantic rainforest is very welcome. Restoring these vital habitats brings not just biodiversity benefits but is necessary to tackle climate change – and is an excellent use of the Scotwind resource.
“However these budget lines account for only a small proportion of environmental spend and we know there are significant pressures elsewhere.
“While it is positive to see an increase in the Forestry Grant Scheme, this increase only partially restores the significant cuts made last year – and it is important that this investment prioritises native woodland creation.
“Cuts to the budgets of environmental agencies are also very disappointing. While we accept there are pressures across the public sector, we must respond to the environmental crises with the seriousness required. Achieving our targets for nature restoration and the ambitions of the recently published Biodiversity Strategy will rely on people across society, but our environmental agencies have a crucial role to play.
“It does appear that we remain on track to hit the £65 million pledge for the Nature Restoration Fund over the lifetime of the parliament, which is very welcome.
“This is of course a draft Budget and the Scottish Government must find support across the chamber to pass it. We hope that MSPs in all parties will argue for investment in nature in line with the seriousness of the crisis we face and the work that needs to be done.”
ENDS