Land Commission consults on natural capital investment
How communities can benefit from land use change and investment for Scotland’s net zero ambition is the subject of a new discussion paper from the Scottish Land Commission.
The paper, Community benefits from investment in natural capital, also illustrates through six supporting case studies how investment in natural capital enhancement, restoration and creation projects can deliver a range of public, private and community benefits. An estimated £15-£27bn of investment is required in Scotland to reach net zero by 2045.
Community benefits are packages delivering maximum value to local communities on a negotiated basis for long term use. A case study involving Trees for Life, which owns and manages Dundreggan Estate in Glenmoriston, for example, highlights a series of environmental projects, one of which saw the planting of a native woodland that sold its carbon units generated to corporate buyers for offsetting, with the money raised being invested back into local community initiatives and groups.
Drawing together the Commission’s current thinking on key questions about community benefits from investment in natural capital, the paper highlights the need for major investment in Scotland’s land to fulfil these on a local level while meeting climate demands. The Commission proposes a definition of community benefits in this context and a set of expectations about how community benefits should be identified and delivered.
Commission chief executive Hamish Trench commented: “With Scotland attracting significant investment in natural capital it is important to ensure practical ways in which communities benefit. This discussion paper is intended to help shape practice that delivers on the principles the Scottish Government has set out for responsible investment.
“Community benefit should be a key consideration for land owners, investors and project developers. While there are many ways this can be approached, the paper proposes some basic principles.”
He added: “The Trees for Life case study is just one example where communities have seen tangible benefits unlocked from the land around them.
“Scotland’s land plays a pivotal role in our everyday lives and so it is essential that communities are able to influence and benefit from natural capital projects, land decisions and land use.
“We hope this paper will stimulate the discussion on practical ways to help ensure that Scotland is maximising its land opportunities.”
Access the discussion paper here. Responses can be sent by email to goodpractice@landcommission.gov.scot before 20 March 2023.