Why is this National Indicator important?
Natura 2000 sites and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) represent the best of Scotland's natural heritage. These areas are 'special' either for their plants, animals or habitats, their rocks or landforms, or a combination of these. Together they form a network of the best natural features throughout Scotland and support a wider network across Great Britain and the European Union.
Over 380 Natura 2000 sites and some 1,451 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), covering more than 1,000,000 ha of Scotland, have been designated for their national or international importance, according to their special biodiversity or geodiversity interest. In this indicator, the term habitat includes geological features. The sites extend the length and breadth of Scotland, from the moss heaths on the highest summit, Ben Nevis, through lowland species-rich grasslands and raised bogs, to the seas around Scotland, such as the marine reefs of Loch Maddy in the Western Isles.
What will influence this National Indicator?
Perhaps the biggest influence lies in the actions of the responsible bodies, land owners and users of individual sites. Many sites need specific actions to bring them into favourable condition - and some of these actions are complex to achieve. Wider developments, for example climate change, can also influence the condition of individual sites and perhaps even make them unsuitable for the original purpose of designation.
What is the Government's role?
Scottish Natural Heritage has the main responsibility for delivering this National Indicator. Significant contributions will also come from Forestry Commission Scotland and Deer Commission Scotland. These bodies set priorities and direction, and provide financial support to land owners and others to secure improvement in the condition of habitat features and for priority species. Some of this support will be delivered through Rural Development Contracts under the Scotland Rural Development Programme. The Scottish Government and other bodies with responsibilities in Scotland's marine environment also play an important role. All public bodies have a statutory duty to further biodiversity conservation as they undertake their functions and responsibilities. Co-ordinated action can also be secured locally through Local Biodiversity Action Plans.
How are we performing?
The Scottish Government has established a National Indicator to increase to 95% the proportion of protected nature sites in favourable condition. The first cycle of site condition monitoring was undertaken between 1st April 1999 to 31st March 2005. At the end of the first cycle, 71.5% of natural features were found to be in favourable condition. By the end of March 2009, 78.4% of natural features were assessed as being in a favourable condition, compared to 77.5% at the end of March 2008.
Methodology
This evaluation is based on: any difference in the percentage within +/- 1 percentage point of last year's figure suggests that the position is more likely to be maintaining than showing any change. An increase of 1 percentage point or more suggests the position is improving; whereas a decrease of 1 percentage point or more suggests the position is worsening.
For information on general methodological approach, please click here.
Further Information
Scotland Performs Technical Note
Statistics Topic Page
Who are our partners?
Scottish Natural Heritage
Forestry Commission Scotland
Deer Commission Scotland
Fisheries Research Services?
Related Strategic Objectives
Wealthier and Fairer
Healthier
Greener