As the UN Biodiversity COP15 edged towards closure in Montreal – hopefully making significant commitments to the 2030 framework for global and national action to halt the loss of biodiversity – we were taking part in a NatureScot event on Friday showcasing outstanding examples of work in Scotland to overcome the nature-climate crisis.  Initially thinking we’d been given a golden ticket to visit Montreal (we weren’t!) we were still delighted to present and take part in the event at the National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh.

Project Manager Callum Sinclair presenting at the 'Solutions to the Nature-Climate Crisis in Scotland' Event

The event was a great opportunity to hear of projects from around Scotland working hard to overcome barriers to nature restoration including, climate change, unsustainable exploitation, invasive non-native species (that’s us!), pollution and pathogens.

Unfortunately, a train strike and some very seasonal weather prevented a number of delegates from reaching Edinburgh (particularly those from Glasgow apparently!), but those that did make it heard some great presentations from inspiring projects.  Just the job to give us a little more hope for the future and as Scotland gets ready to publish its new 25-year Scottish Biodiversity Strategy in 2023.

Francesca Osowska, Chief Executive of NatureScot, presenting at the event		Panel discussion (LtoR): Colin Campbell (James Hutton Institute), Hazel Norman (British Ecological Society), Francesca Osowska (NatureScot), Susan Davies (Scottish Seabird Centre), Anne McCall (RSPB Scotland)