A Troubling Demographic Legacy for Scotland’s Sparsely Populated Areas

Rural depopulation is a topic which seems to have slipped down the policy agenda in Scotland in recent years. The popular narrative about the Highlands and Islands has become more positive – highlighting the growth of Inverness and its immediate hinterland, opportunities for renewable energy, or tourism and leisure based on the region’s rich natural environment.

A Capital Venture

The work carried out by SEFARI which relates to natural capital is varied and detailed, and encompasses soil, fresh water and biodiversity, together with the ecosystem services (including cultural services such as recreation, heritage, spiritual, amenity, and health) which they support. The vision for this work, and those carrying it out, is for recognition worldwide as leading authorities in the understanding and management of natural resources, and in the sustainable use of these resources in a manner that is resilient to future pressures.

Representing SEFARI at UK Parliament

Leaving the European Union could have major repercussions on a wide range of environmental and land use concerns within Scotland, and across the whole of the UK. Whilst some of these issues may seem complex, it is increasingly recognised that SEFARI contains a wealth of expertise which can contribute to such discussions. Of course our place is not to delve into the politics, but to use our research and expertise to provide an evidence-led platform for discussion.

Jenny Fyall

Jenny is research and communications manager at SEFARI Gateway, the Scottish Government’s Centre of Expertise for Knowledge Exchange and Innovation.

After her undergraduate degree at the University of Oxford she completed postgraduate studies in newspaper journalism at the University of Cardiff and then spent a decade as a newspaper reporter, including five years as The Scotsman’s environment correspondent. Before joining SEFARI Gateway she spent eight years running her own business in the agritourism sector from her small farm in Aberdeenshire.

Jenny Fyall

James Hutton Institute
Errol Road
Dundee
Scotland
DD2 5DA

Nature Based Solutions Costs of Action and Inaction Final - Report

Human-induced climate change is driving increasingly severe weather in the UK, threatening the long-term viability of Scotland’s land-based industries. To remain resilient and competitive, these sectors must urgently adopt climate adaptation and mitigation strategies, including Nature-based Solutions (NbS), which are central to emerging policy and funding frameworks.