The Scottish Conservation Finance Project, a report by the Scottish Wildlife Trust and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), has proposed a series of measures that could provide £1 billion in new investment for Scottish nature conservation.
The project aims to generate new forms of investment in Scotland’s stocks of natural capital in ways that will deliver significant environmental, social and economic benefits, as well as returns for investors. It seeks to achieve this by bringing together organisations from the private, public and non-profit sectors to develop investment and funding models for large-scale nature conservation activities.
One of the measures proposed includes a new green bond scheme that could be offered by local councils to investors to raise money for sustainable drainage schemes and green spaces.
There are also other measures including a marine fund, a vacant and derelict land fund, as well as nature-based carbon payments.
The report seeks to set out a road map of how investments, loans, levies and 'blended' finance opportunities could generate a massive financial boost for biodiversity.
Chief Executive of SEPA, Terry A’Hearn, commented: ''The global pandemic has drawn into sharp focus the connection between social, environmental and economic prosperity. As we start to focus on recovery, we must recognise the opportunity to be more inclusive and more sustainable. The £1 billion challenge provides a real opportunity to bring together real-world projects that spark regeneration of communities, build green businesses and create new jobs, with investors that understand that a successful, resilient economy depends not just on achieving financial returns - but on creating social and environmental value and success.''
