Putting nature at centre of Scots recovery ‘could create 7,000 jobs’
ENVIRONMENTAL charities have said that backing their plan for nature’s recovery could create up to 7,000 new jobs in Scotland.
RSPB Scotland, the Scottish Wildlife Trust and WWF Scotland are calling for greater investment in nature-based jobs and skills – and said it could contribute to Scotland’s economic recovery from Covid-19.
The charities said new data makes clear that strong investment in nature’s recovery could, over time, create upwards of 4,000 jobs across peatland restoration, native woodland expansion, restoration and management, deer control, delivery of a Scottish Nature Network and a farming advisory service while a further 3,000 jobs could be supported indirectly.
They say that all political parties in Scotland must use this opportunity to kickstart a transformative green recovery.
Jo Pike, chief executive of the Scottish Wildlife Trust, said: “Our findings demonstrate how taking these initial steps towards nature’s recovery can significantly benefit Scotland’s economy and society, as well as helping to tackle climate change.
“Importantly, many of the green collar jobs identified within this analysis could help to sustain rural communities.
“As the draft budget progresses through the Scottish Parliament, we want to see ambitious commitments to delivering a wide range of naturebased solutions to the serious challenges facing society.
“Investing in measures such as the creation of native woodland and establishing a new Scottish Nature
Network represents an opportunity to both tackle the growing crisis facing nature, and support a transformative green recovery from the impact of Covid-19.”
Last year, RSPB Scotland, the Scottish Wildlife Trust and WWF Scotland launched a route map for nature’s recovery.
The charities said that delivering even a few of the actions outlined in the Nature Recovery Plan could create green jobs and support skills development, particularly in remote rural areas.
Anne Mccall, Scotland director for the RSPB, said: “We know that we need transformative change for nature, but that this change can also help us to build a more diverse and resilient economy and provide widespread benefits to people.
“It is vital that the potential for nature jobs to contribute to Scotland’s economic recovery is not underestimated. This is just a snapshot of job opportunities, demonstrating the potential we could unlock by placing nature at the heart of Scotland’s economy.”
The publication of the new data follows the launch last month of an independent report – The Economics of Biodiversity: the Dasgupta Review – which concluded that society has failed to engage with nature sustainably.
The report calls for a transformation of economics to recognise the true importance of nature and invest in our natural assets to improve global resilience.
Lang Banks, director of WWF Scotland, said: “Rural communities, particularly those dependent on hospitality and tourism income, have been hit hard.
“Woodland creation and management, peatland restoration, and supporting farmers to benefit more nature, are relatively quick ways to create and support muchneeded long-term jobs in rural areas.”
A report last year set out an 11-step recovery plan that aimed to create jobs, boost local economies and improve public health while protecting the planet.
Launched by RSPB Scotland, Scottish Wildlife Trust and WWF Scotland, the paper detailed “transformative” actions that will help Scotland’s nature and “build a fairer future for all”.
It highlighted five areas for immediate action from the Scottish Government: restoring and protecting Scotland’s globally important peatlands; replacing and expanding native forests; improving deer management; creating a new system to support eco-friendly farming; and linking up wild places through a new Scottish Nature Network.