Links to the wider policy framework

High-level national policy drivers are set out in the Scottish Government’s Purpose and National Performance Framework and are reflected in SNH’s Corporate Strategy. Examples of some key links between geodiversity and the Scottish Government’s Strategic Objectives and related key policy areas are indicated in Figure 6.4, and Appendix 1 illustrates links between geodiversity-based services and European/national policy objectives or targets.

Figure 6.4 Key links between geodiversity and the Scottish Government’s Strategic Objectives and Related Key Policy Areas. (Source: Natural Capital, 2011).

Geodiversity therefore has much wider relevance and underpinning across a range of policy areas than simply the conservation of geosites. A review by Natural Capital (2011) demonstrated important linkages in the following key areas:

 sustainable development and Scotland’s Strategic Objectives;

 planning guidance;

 sustainable rural development;

 landscape;

 biodiversity and nature conservation;

 greenspace strategies;

 National Parks, Coastal and Marine National Parks and Geoparks;

 historic environment, cultural heritage and World Heritage Sites;

 climate change;

 marine and coastal strategy;

 river management and sustainable flood management;

 agriculture and forestry policy; and

 Single Outcome Agreements.

The Natural Capital (2011) study also identified significant gaps concerning the integration of geodiversity in these areas:

 Current sustainable development policy has significant gaps with regard to the recognition of the importance and value of geodiversity and does not give a clear steer towards protecting and conserving this resource.

 There is no clear recognition of the wider links that geodiversity has to a range of policy areas such as its economic contribution, its role in health, recreation and education, and its important role in climate change adaptation. Its contribution to a wide array of ecosystem services and benefits receives little mention in current Scottish policy.

 The Scottish Government Strategic Objectives do not clearly identify geodiversity (along with biodiversity) as a strategic element of the natural heritage even though a clear link can be established that demonstrates the contribution that geodiversity can make to these objectives and the consequent need for the protection and conservation of this resource.

 Current planning policy has significant gaps with regard to geodiversity:

o there is little if any mention or reference to geology, geodiversity or geological conservation within planning policy and planning guidance;

o no strong links have been made between the importance of geodiversity and other policy areas such as biodiversity conservation, greenspaces, tourism, recreation and amenity and cultural heritage;

o there is a clear lack of adequate planning policy objectives and associated policy measures for the protection and conservation of geodiversity

o there is generally little recognition of ensuring that developments in dynamic environments (such as river floodplains and at the coast) form part of a strategic plan (such as a Shoreline Management Plan), based on a sound understanding of natural processes and taking into account the wider effects on natural

processes and ecosystems (e.g. like steering development away from geomorphologically active and hazardous areas).

 With the exception of policies for National Parks and Geoparks, the important links between geodiversity and other key policy areas have not been adequately drawn out, and so opportunities to include policy measures and clauses for the protection and conservation of geodiversity and geodiversity services within the policy agenda for these other topic areas (e.g. biodiversity, amenity and recreation, tourism and cultural heritage) have not been taken.

The review by Natural Capital highlights the need for a clear strategic framework in Scotland that will ensure that geodiversity and its valuable contributions and support to other policy areas are fully recognised and hence that it is suitably protected and where appropriate enhanced for future generations.

6.4. Conclusion

Many, but not all, of the nationally/internationally important geodiversity sites in Scotland have statutory protection as SSSIs. On the non-statutory front, although Local Geodiversity Sites are recognised under the new consolidated Scottish Planning Policy, few have been

adopted and relatively few systematic surveys or audits of potential sites have been undertaken. In comparison with England and Wales, progress on geodiversity auditing and preparation of LGAPS has also been very limited, this largely being the result of lack of funding. The recognition of marine geodiversity, and its value in supporting marine biodiversity, in the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 and the draft guidelines for the selection of search locations containing priority marine natural features is particularly encouraging and far-sighted.

The concept of biodiversity and our need to protect this component of the natural heritage at local, national and global scales is relatively well developed and understood at a strategic level. It forms the basis for much of the effort and activities in nature conservation and is relatively well integrated into the wider policy environment. Conversely, the concept and values of geodiversity are less well appreciated and, by comparison, relatively undervalued and poorly integrated.

The challenge, then, is to address how geodiversity might be more closely integrated in the existing policy environment, both to the benefit of geodiversity and to the primary policy aims that contribute to the National Outcomes. It is proposed that this is approached through a geodiversity framework for Scotland. The purpose of such a framework should be not only to make a difference for the conservation of geodiversity, but also to realise wider benefits and outcomes for Scotland’s people, environment and economy as outlined in Chapters 3 and 4.

4. Such a framework is now timely because geodiversity provides:

 the knowledge base for society to develop adaptations to climate change and to mitigate natural hazards through better understanding of natural processes;

 the physical underpinning of our ecosystems and the services and benefits they provide;

 a profound influence on our habitats, wildlife, varied landscapes (both rural and urban) and many of our land uses and it and scenery;

 support to many aspects of economic development, including tourism;

 a resource for a variety of recreation and outdoor activities, and therefore delivers benefits for people’s health and well-being;

 a creative influence on our cultural heritage as a source of inspiration for art, sculpture, music, poetry and literature.

7. TOWARDS A GEODIVERSITY FRAMEWORK FOR SCOTLAND