Scotland's Wildlife – an assessment of biodiversity in 20

2.5 Conclusion
Very considerable progress has been made by many people and organisations that
care about Scotland’s biodiversity. Biodiversity loss has been slowed in recent years
where targeted action has been applied.
However, Scotland’s biodiversity indicators, the condition of notified habitats and
species on protected areas, and progress towards meeting Scotland’s biodiversity
targets demonstrate that biodiversity loss has not yet been halted and will require
renewed and sustained effort over a longer period.
A major challenge to be faced in the years ahead will be climate change, with profound
implications for biodiversity in Scotland. Ecosystems and their component species may
be affected by altered weather patterns and growing seasons. The ranges of individual
species are likely to change, while some of those restricted to particular habitats, such
as on mountain tops, may decline or disappear from Scotland altogether. Climate
change and the needs of modern life give greater urgency to actions which are required
to achieve the aims of Scotland’s Biodiversity Strategy.
Scotland’s Biodiversity Strategy goes beyond halting the loss of biodiversity, towards
restoring habitats and species to a resilient state as well. Ecosystems that function
naturally are better able to retain the diversity of wildlife that makes Scotland a special
place to live in – supporting livelihoods such as in farming, fishing and tourism;
safeguarding the productivity of land and surrounding seas; securing clean water and
controlling flooding; and making urban life more enjoyable and healthy.
Scotland has played an active part in stemming biodiversity loss. It’s Biodiversity
Strategy, published in 2004, is a 25-year framework for action. It recognises the urgency
of the task to halt biodiversity loss and that action needs to be sustained in order to
restore it. International Year of Biodiversity 2010 has been an important milestone –
much has been accomplished, more remains to be done. The account here
acknowledges what has been achieved and will help to set Scotland’s course into the
future.
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