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7 Monitoring requirements and potential indicators
7.1 Introduction
Requirements for monitoring the effectiveness of the SRDP are laid down in the new Rural Development Regulation. The Regulation requires a common monitoring and evaluation framework ( CMEF) which will provide a common methodology to encourage consistency across Member States. In Scotland, a monitoring committee will be established to assess, using the CMEF, the effectiveness of the measures implemented in the SRDP.
In addition to the requirement for a monitoring plan for the SRDP, the new Rural Development Regulation also requires the identification of common indicators (section 7.3) to assess the effectiveness of the SRDP and this list will be contained in the common CMEF although there will be the ability for Member States to incorporate additional regional specific indicators as required. A list of the CMEF indictors are proposed by the European Commission can be found in Appendix 4 of this report.
However, there is also a requirement under the SEA Directive to ensure that a monitoring programme, to determine the effectiveness of the implemented plan or programme (in this case the SRDP) at meeting the objectives identified in the Strategic Environmental Assessment.
7.2 Monitoring requirements to assess the effectiveness of the implemented SRDP at meeting the SEA Objectives
While the whole of Scotland is covered by the SRDP, the programme will not be implemented in all parts of Scotland and will only be implemented in those areas where grant funding is applied for and granted. As a result it is not possible to predict at the start of the programme which areas will come into the programme's schemes and which will not be managed under the programme at the end of the period. This poses a challenge when both designing a monitoring plan and selecting indicators to assess the effectiveness of the SRDP in meeting the objectives identified during the undertaking of the SEA.
However, there is a need to ensure that the monitoring requirements to assess the effectiveness of the SRDP in meeting the objectives of the SEA are sufficient to provide a solid and defendable audit tail and to enable the Scottish Ministers to met their statutory obligations in relation to biodiversity and protected site monitoring.
There are currently a large number of organisations collating a wide range of environmental information and a number of these will be sit on the Monitoring Committee (see section 7.1 above) for the SRDP it is recommended that representatives from these organisations get together to discuss their data collation needs and current activities in order to determine whether some of the monitoring currently being undertaken could be used or adapted to meet both the SRDP and the SRDPSEA monitoring requirements.
As minimum information relating to the type of activity being funded, the location and nature of the land on which the work will be undertaken (including a baseline audit) should be collated during the assessment of the application for grant funding and the site visit. For ease of data manipulation it is recommended that detailed records of the habitats present should be recorded and stored on GIS and that this provides the baseline for the assessment of impacts in future years. The River Basin Management Programme currently being developed by SEPA provides a mechanism by which all information and monitoring data required by the WFD can be stored and readily accessed to enable reports of compliance with the WFD to be made to the EC. This system provides a potential template which could be used to store all the information and monitoring data required to determine the effectiveness of the SRPD in meeting both the SRDP objectives and the SRDPSEA objectives. In addition, this type of system could be used to store monitoring data collated for other reasons for example to determine compliance with the biodiversity duties.
7.3 Potential indicators to assess the effectiveness of the implemented SRDP at meeting the SEA Objectives
In order to monitor the effectiveness of the actions within the SRDP at meeting the environmental objectives, a series of indicators requires to be developed. As with the monitoring programme discussed in section 7.2, these indicators will require to be agreed with those developing the monitoring strategy. There is a clear need to link indicators to specific SRDP activity and this requires innovative use of e.g.GIS and comparison between those areas in which the programme is implemented and those areas where the SRDP is not implemented. In addition, there is a need to select, where possible indicators which not only serve to assess the SEDPSEA objectives but may also serve to assess the effectiveness of the SRDP (See Appendix 5) and other programmes, plans, strategies etc.
Table 7.1 suggests potential indictors which could be used to measure the effectiveness of the final SRDP in meeting the environmental objectives identified during the SEA and has been developed thorough consideration of the options, consultation at the scoping stage and feedback from the Consultation Authorities.
Table 7.1: Potential Indictors to assess effectiveness of the SRDP
OBJECTIVE | POTENTIAL INDICATORS |
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BIODIVERSITY |
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To halt the loss of biodiversity and continue to reverse previous losses through targeted action for species and habitats | Condition of protected area ( SPAs, SACS, Ramsar, SSSIs National Nature Reserves ( NNRs)) Status of UKBAP and HAP priority species Abundance of terrestrial breeding birds, non-breeding water birds and breeding seabirds |
Protect and enhance current habitats, species and areas afforded protection under international, national and local designations | Condition of protected area ( SPAs, SACS, Ramsar, SSSIs, NNRs) Number and distribution of protected species (as specified in the 1994 Habitats Regulations) Extent of riparian woodland, extent of permanent grassland; extent of arable grassland |
Reduce habitat fragmentation and enhance habitat connectivity | Extent of habitats and proximity to adjacent areas of similar and/or complementary habitats Condition of protected area ( SPAs, SACS, Ramsar, SSSIs National Nature Reserves ( NNRs)) |
Reduce the number and spread of invasive species in Scotland | Percentage reduction of specified species in areas targeted by funding under SRDP |
WATER ENVIRONMENT |
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Support the achievement of the good water status objective of the Water Framework Directive ( WFD)*. Achieve and maintain good chemical and ecological quality in surface waters and good chemical quality in groundwater water bodies, in accordance with the WFD. *Note: Achieving the standards required by the Shellfish Waters and Freshwater Fish Directives is part of achieving WFD targets | SEPA monitoring data from water bodies across Scotland Number and type of authorisations granted for forestry and agricultural activities under CAR Number of pollution incidents investigated and substantiated as arising from forestry and agricultural operations Amounts of fertilisers used in agricultural and forestry sectors Compliance with WFD objectives i.e. the percentage of waterbody length deemed to be of good ecological status |
Bring about a substantial reduction in diffuse pollution from agriculture and forestry by using measures for the control of diffuse pollution. | Percentage of watercourse length downgraded as a result of diffuse pollution as monitored by SEPA Compliance with WFD objectives i.e. the percentage of waterbody length deemed to be of good ecological status |
Ensure that water resources in Scotland are adequately protected | Volumes of water being abstracted under CAR licences Compliance with WFD objective of reaching 'good ecological status' Water use by sector Percentage of rural land used for flood management Involvement of rural water users in RBMP process and support for coordination with rural development and land use planning |
SOIL |
|---|
Promote the sustainable management of soils in agricultural and forestry practises | Amounts of fertilisers used in agricultural and forestry sectors Percentage of prime agricultural land, improved, grassland; unimproved grassland; arable land; and woodland |
CLIMATE CHANGE |
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Minimise the impacts of rural activities on climate change | Concentrations of greenhouse gases released by sector Changes in habitats Percentage of rural land used for flood management |
Increase the capacity of woodland and peatland for carbon sequestration | Areas of woodland and peatland carbon content of soils |
Increase the use of renewable energy | Percentage of energy/electricity generated from renewable resources |
Minimise the impacts of flooding by the promote sustainable flood management | Percentage of rural land used for flood management |
AIR QUALITY |
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Minimise the impacts of rural activities on air quality | Concentrations of key air pollutants in rural as well as urban areas Emissions of key air pollutants from differing rural sectors Levels of acidification in soil and water Changes in habitats |
POPULATION, HUMAN HEALTH AND WELLBEING |
|---|
Maximise the contribution of the agriculture and forestry sectors to the viability of Rural Scotland | Changes in demographics |
Promote healthy living, reduce health inequalities and improve quality of life through increased access and recreation | Proportion of people participating in recreational activities in Rural Scotland Number of SEA's for core path plans undertaken by Access authorities (all local authorities and national park authorities) Length of designated core paths proposed and constructed |
Promote healthy living, reduce health inequalities and improve quality of life through increased provision of fresh produce and affordable housing. | Increased availability of good quality and affordable fresh produce (organic and inorganic) and affordable housing Increased availability of affordable housing |
LANDSCAPE |
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Safeguard and enhance the distinct identity, the diverse character and special qualities of Scotland's landscapes Ensure that tomorrow's landscapes contribute positively to peoples environment and are at least as attractive and valued as they are today | Number of Management Strategies in place in for National Scenic areas Number of National Park Plans prepared and implemented Length of 18 th Century hedges (Habitat Action Plan) and other field boundaries ( i.e. walls ditches etc) in Scotland |
CULTURAL HERITAGE |
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Ensure the distinct cultural and historic identity of each area, as represented by its significant sites, monuments and rural buildings ("heritage assets") is recognised, valued and safeguarded | Status of World Heritage sites and National Parks Number of archaeological sites, listed buildings, conservation areas, Historic Gardens and Scheduled Ancient Monuments classified as being 'at risk' Number of questionnaires completed as part of the grant funding assessment process |
Strengthen Scotland's cultural identity | Number of people (from Scotland) visiting archaeological and historic sites in Scotland |
RESOURCES AND WASTE |
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Maximise the effective use of resources including chemicals and fuel in Rural Scotland | Chemical, fertiliser and fuel usage Usage of other resources |
Minimise the volumes of waste generated and disposed of in Rural Scotland | Percentage of waste per sector being recycled, recovered, composted, landfilled etc Diffuse and point source pollution of water bodies as monitored by SEPA |
Many of the indicators suggested may not be directly influenced by actions within the SRDP although they could be indirectly influenced by SRDP actions and more directly influenced by other polices, plans, programmes and legislation and therefore consideration will require to be given to the final indictors selected to ensure that these can be achieved by the implementation of the SRDP.
In addition, there is a need to determine potential sources of information which could be used to assess the effectiveness of the indicators and potential sources of information relating to the potential indicators identified above are detailed in Table 7.2.
Table 7.2: Potential data sources
BIODIVERSITY DATA SOURCES |
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Site Condition monitoring reports undertaken by SNH Reports from Scottish Biodiversity Action Plan and LBAPs prepared by the Local Authorities etc RSPB data relating to breeding birds and wintering birds in Scotland Specialist surveys pre- and post-funding to assess the reduction in invasive species in the areas funded. |
WATER ENVIRONMENT |
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Databases developed by SEPA in order to manage the implementation of the WFD and CAR licensing: Manufacturer/retailer sales of fertilizers to the agricultural and forestry industries |
SOIL |
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Manufacturer/retailer sales of fertilizers to the agricultural and forestry industries Site Condition monitoring reports undertaken by SNH Reports from Scottish Biodiversity Action Plan and LBAPs prepared by the Local Authorities etc |
CLIMATE CHANGE |
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Met Office Scottish Executive Flood prevention orders (percentage of rural land incorporated into flood schemes) Macaulay Land use Institute Site Condition monitoring reports undertaken by SNH Reports from Scottish Biodiversity Action Plan and LBAPs prepared by the Local Authorities etc |
AIR QUALITY |
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Met Office Scottish Executive Flood prevention orders (percentage of rural land incorporated into flood schemes) Macaulay Land use Institute Site Condition monitoring reports undertaken by SNH Reports from Scottish Biodiversity Action Plan and LBAPs prepared by the Local Authorities etc |
POPULATION, HUMAN HEALTH AND WELLBEING |
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Visit Scotland SNH Scottish Executive Population statistics Organic food sales Percentage of affordable housing |
LANDSCAPE |
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SNH Local Authorities Reports from Scottish Biodiversity Action Plan and LBAPs prepared by the Local Authorities etc |
CULTURAL HERITAGE |
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Historic Scotland SNH RACHMs Visit Scotland |
RESOURCES AND WASTE |
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SEPA Waste Data digest Local Authority recycling figures |
7.4 Consideration of the final content of the SRDP
As discussed earlier, the final structure of the SRDP is not known at this time although the information contained in this report has identified the 'green thread' for the SRDP and provides guidance and direction relating to the priority actions which should be implemented (with recommended mitigation as required) and those which perhaps should not be included in the final SRDP. A list of all the actions, their potential impacts and recommended mitigation would be beneficial and could be used to support the work of the advisors as part of their handbook.
In summary the assessment has identified that none of the actions proposed for each of the three themes' priorities have potentially significant impacts and no negative impacts for theme 2 were identified. Although, perhaps not surprisingly themes 1 and 3 had potentially negative impacts, they both had as many potentially positive impacts. Five main actions were responsible for most of the potentially negative impacts but all of these actions have potential environmental benefits in each case. Mitigation measures to minimise or negate the negative impacts, and enhance the positive benefits have also been identified.
An assessment of the land management objectives against the SRDPSEA objectives was undertaken and the findings of this assessment was similar to the assessment of the themes although the LMC objectives tended to be very specific and therefore the range of environmental benefits as well as negative environmental impacts was limited. Mitigation described for the negative impacts identified during the assessment of the themes is relevant for mitigation of the LMC objectives.
The SEA has recommended that a number of additional environmental assessments (not strategic environmental assessments) may be required once the comments from the consultation for both the draft SRDP and the SRDPSEA Environmental Report have been received and also once the SRDP 2007 - 2013 has been implemented. Areas of likely future assessment include the full-scale review of the Agri-environment support system and the establishment of Regional Project Appraisal Committees ( RPACs) and the development (including the geographical scope) of Regional Rural Development Guidance.
In addition there will be a need for an assessment to be undertaken when considering each application for funding, or each block of applications for funding within a region to ensure that there is not imbalance of actions being funded within a region such that environmental impacts accumulate e.g. the conversion of vast areas of land within an area to a monoculture of biomass crops or a mass expansion of hard infrastructure development in an area. The benefits of the implementation of a range of actions within an area will offer significant potential for environmental enhancement and the implementation of mitigation as part if the application will enhance these benefits.
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