Award of CR/2022/20 - Supporting an evidence-based approach for SG engagement on the development ...

Introduction1. This procurement is being conducted by the Environment and Forestry Directorate in Scottish Government and aims to inform our programme of work under the National Strategy for Economic Transformation to scale up responsible private investment in natural capital and support achievement of the goals that will be set in our updated biodiversity strategy, in response to the climate and nature crises.2. It is seeking to put in place a short-term, desk-based study to research and assess the most appropriate approach to measuring biodiversity for use in Scotland. The project will involve engagement with Scottish Government policy teams, NatureScot and relevant external stakeholders.Background & Context3. Scotland has a suite of biodiversity indicators that assess broad trends in biodiversity at the national level, to measure progress against biodiversity targets. However, at present there is no single agreed Scottish biodiversity ‘metric’ or measurement tool to assess biodiversity at the ‘site’ scale (‘sites’ in terms of, e.g. built development, agricultural / estate landholdings, landscape scale natural capital investments).4. An agreed Scottish approach to measuring biodiversity would allow for a consistent and comparable measurement of losses or gains in biodiversity within a defined area at more granular spatial scales, and allow comparison and trading across sectors.5. The development of a biodiversity metric or measurement tool in Scotland has potential use across multiple policy areas, primarily, natural capital, planning and agriculture. These policy areas are all at different stages of engagement with approaches to measuring biodiversity, and are working within different policy landscapes. It is therefore important that the research undertaken is mindful of potential future uses, that we have a clear understanding of the options available that best serve Scottish interests, and the purpose of this work is articulated clearly to different stakeholder groups.6. Below is a brief outline of the specific policy context across natural capital, planning and agriculture. Development of specific requirements from different policy areas will form part of the project, see objective 1).