Develop and implement a pipeline of strategic INNS projects to coordinate the control of priority INNS at scale with the aim of eliminating or reducing the impacts of INNS in at least 30% of priority sites.
Objective 1: Accelerate ecosystem restoration and regeneration
Priority Action 3. Implement a Scottish plan for INNS surveillance, prevention and control
Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) control is currently delivered through a range of local, catchment-scale and partnership projects across Scotland, supported by public and collaborative funding mechanisms. These projects focus on managing priority invasive species and reducing ecological impacts at specific sites and across connected water and land systems.
However, a single nationally coordinated “pipeline” of strategic INNS projects that prioritises delivery at scale across at least 30% of priority sites has not yet been clearly established as a published programme. Delivery remains largely distributed across regional initiatives and partnerships rather than a unified national programme framework.
INNS management is currently delivered through multiple local, catchment and partnership projects targeting priority species and sites, particularly in freshwater systems and sensitive habitats. While these projects reduce impacts at specific locations, there is no published, fully coordinated national pipeline that aligns delivery across priority sites or explicitly demonstrates progress towards coordinated action at the scale of 30% of sites. The INNS Action Plan sets direction for improved coordination, but implementation is still transitioning from fragmented project delivery towards a more strategic, programme-based approach.
NatureScot – Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS)
Scottish Action Plan for Invasive Non-Native Species 2026-2032
Develop and implement an INNS Action Plan, which will ensure pathways for the introduction and spread of INNS are managed to prevent or reduce their rate of introduction and establishment, and prevent further damage to ecosystems. The plan will include: i. reducing the rate of establishment of known or potential INNS by at least 50% by 2030 compared to 2000 level; and, ii. detection of priority…
Raise public awareness of the impacts of INNS and embed INNS biosecurity practice across industries and recreational activities linked to the most important pathways of introduction and spread, measuring changes in awareness through the NatureScot Opinion Survey.
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