State of Nature Scotland Report 2019

That the Parliament welcomes the publication of the report, State of Nature Scotland 2019, developed by leading professionals from more than 70 wildlife organisations alongside government agencies, which focusses on trends in species to provide key evidence of how nature in Scotland is faring; is concerned that the report’s main findings indicate that there has been no let-up in the net loss of nature in Scotland; notes that the report reveals that, since recording began, 49% of Scottish species have decreased, nature is changing rapidly with 62% of species showing strong changes and that 11% of species found in Scotland have been classified as threatened with extinction from Scotland; recognises that biodiversity and thriving ecosystems have intrinsic value while also playing a crucial role in providing, regulating and supporting essential public goods and services to Scotland’s society and economy; welcomes the positive role that MSP Species Champions play in raising awareness and promoting action to safeguard the most iconic and threatened species across Scotland; celebrates the work of Species Champions to learn about the issues facing their species, take steps to ensure their protection and inform and educate others on the impact of biodiversity loss and its wider implications, and notes that 2020 will be a critical year for refreshing Scotland’s policies to protect and enhance biodiversity, supporting increased ambition and targeted funding to tackle declines in Scotland’s plant and animal species.