Minutes: 06 September 2022

1. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take items 3, 4 and 5 in private.

2. Scottish Biodiversity Strategy:

The Committee took evidence from—

Professor Elisa Morgera, Professor of Global Environmental Law, University of Strathclyde and Director, One Ocean Hub;

Suzie Saunders, Policy Advocate, Woodland Trust Scotland;

Dr Paul Walton, Head of Habitats and Species, RSPB Scotland;

Bruce Wilson, Public Affairs Manager, Scottish Wildlife Trust;

and then from—

Calum Duncan, Head of Conservation Scotland, Marine Conservation Society;

Susan Davies, Chief Executive, Scottish Seabird Centre;

Craig Macadam, Convener, Scottish Environment LINK Freshwater Group and Conservation Director, Buglife.

3. Scottish Biodiversity Strategy (in private):

The Committee considered the evidence it heard earlier under agenda item 2.

The Committee agreed to write to the Scottish Government with its views on the draft national biodiversity strategy.

4. Work programme (in private):

The Committee considered its work programme.

The Committee agreed to issue a targeted call for views in relation to the forthcoming Legislative Consent Memorandum on the Energy Bill (UK Parliament legislation). The Committee also agreed to take evidence from Environmental Standards Scotland on its new strategy once it is laid in the Parliament.

5. Advisers (in private):

The Committee considered a list of candidates for two adviser posts: one on climate change and one on environmental standards.

A decision was deferred to a later meeting.