To help ensure that species licensing processes are transparent and targeted, a programme of work will be developed, to implement the key recommendations and findings from a review of NatureScot’s licensing approach to species conservation and management.
Objective 4: Protect and support the recovery of vulnerable and important species and habitats
Priority Action 20. Revise Scotland’s list of priority species and habitats for biodiversity conservation.
The action remains at the planning stage. NatureScot has undertaken a review of its species licensing approach, but no published programme of work, implementation plan, or delivery milestones have been released setting out how the review’s recommendations will be applied. There is currently no evidence of changes to licensing processes or new transparency or targeting mechanisms being implemented.
Species licensing plays an important role in balancing development and conservation, and evidence from NatureScot indicates that effective, targeted licensing can help reduce impacts on protected species. However, this action has not progressed beyond review stage. Without a published implementation programme or changes to licensing practice, there is no evidence of improved outcomes for species protection or management. Ecological contribution is therefore currently minimal.
NatureScot – Species licensing legislation
Scottish Government – Wildlife management
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