Develop an open-source platform for blue and green infrastructure and other nature assets in urban areas to support approaches to valuing and financing blue and green infrastructure.
Objective 2: Protect nature on land and at sea, across and beyond Protected Areas
Priority Action 11. Identify, expand and enhance Nature Networks and ecological connectivity
There is currently no evidence of a nationally implemented, open-source platform specifically designed to map, value or finance blue and green infrastructure assets across urban areas in Scotland.
Existing activity is largely fragmented across related workstreams such as planning policy for green infrastructure, local authority open space strategies, and broader biodiversity and climate adaptation tools, rather than a single integrated platform. While there is increasing recognition in policy of the importance of blue and green infrastructure for climate resilience, biodiversity and placemaking, delivery is currently dependent on local authority systems, planning processes, and project-specific datasets rather than a unified national digital platform. This means that approaches to valuing and financing urban nature assets remain constrained by inconsistent data availability and the absence of a shared, open-source infrastructure asset system.
Blue and green infrastructure (e.g. urban greenspace, rivers, wetlands and tree networks) supports urban biodiversity, habitat connectivity and ecosystem services, including climate regulation and flood management. NatureScot’s Nature Networks Framework identifies these assets as part of wider ecological networks, helping connect habitats within and beyond urban areas to support species movement and resilience.
An open-source platform would improve mapping, valuation and coordination of urban nature assets, enabling more consistent planning, investment and delivery of biodiversity benefits. However, ecological outcomes depend on data use in decision-making and investment, and on Local Authority capacity to apply this information in planning and management. Overall, the platform would act as an enabling tool for urban nature recovery, but biodiversity gains depend on how effectively it informs delivery on the ground.
Nature Networks Scotland – Toolbox and resources
NatureScot – Nature Networks Framework
NatureScot – Nature Networks for Planning Authorities
Ensure spatially defined Nature Networks are being implemented in every Local Authority area to provide connectivity between important places for biodiversity, deliver local priorities and contribute to strategic priorities at local, regional and national scales.
Undertake mapping of opportunities for creating Local Authority wide Nature Networks that connect locally important areas for biodiversity, provide linkages with 30 by 30 sites, and address local and regional priorities for climate and nature.
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