Assessing Nature-based Solutions for Multiple Benefits

Lead: Robin Pakeman, James Hutton Institute

Stakeholder: NatureScot

This project will evaluate the existing methodology for assessing Nature-based Solutions interventions for multiple benefits at a range of scales across different settings. The aim is to develop a shared understanding between the Scottish Government Portfolio researchers and stakeholders, and influence future research in this area.

Engaging the Agricultural Sector on Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions

Lead: Gemma Miller, SRUC

Stakeholder: NFUS

This fellowship has summarised what is currently understood about agricultural emissions in Scotland and to communicate that information in a user-friendly way to key industry stakeholders. The main output of this work is a series of six factsheets covering topics including the sequestration potential of managed grasslands, the climate impacts of agriculture on Scottish uplands, arable land and options for mitigating agricultural nitrous oxide emissions. You can find more information about the fellowship on the NFU Scotland website.

Assessing Arctic Circle (Food-innovation) Clusters

Lead: David Watts, Rowett Institute

Stakeholder: Highlands and Islands Enterprise

The purpose of this fellowship is threefold, to:

• Understand the benefits for Scotland’s participation in the Artic Food Innovation Clusters with respect to food innovation and local economies.

• Reflect on the strengths and contributions the Highlands and Islands and wider Scotland could make as an effective partner and good global citizen.

• Illustrate possible approaches and models for engagement in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including within the context of a global climate emergency. Sarah Jones, SRUC provided research support for this project.

Land Manager Decision-making in relation to the Creation of New Multipurpose Woodlands in Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park

Lead: Rob McMorran, SRUC

Stakeholders: Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park

To investigate key drivers (opportunities and constraints) for land manager decision making in relation to the creation of new multipurpose woodlands and improve understanding of how constraints to woodland creation can be overcome in practice. You can read more about the fellowship elsewhere on the SEFARI website.

Helping Businesses Develop New Opportunities from Natural Capital

Lead: Alistair McVittie, SRUC

Stakeholder: Scottish Forum on Natural Capital

This fellowship offers the chance to contribute to the Scottish Forum’s work to help businesses understand how they rely on, have an impact on and can develop business opportunities from natural capital, and encourage action to protect and enhance Scotland’s natural wealth. It will aim to work with businesses to understand how taking account of these connections with nature can provide benefits and will likely focus on the SMEs and micro-businesses in the food and drink sector.

Defining the Social and Economic Value of Cooperation in the Agricultural Sector

Leads: Sharon Flanigan, James Hutton Institute and Caroline Whitfield, SRUC

Stakeholder: Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society

The fellowship aims to develop a standard and practical method for assessing the co-op business model, including both the direct and indirect benefits. You can read more about the fellowship elsewhere on the SEFARI website.

Bridging the Gap between (Agri-food) Waste and Processing

Lead: Derek Stewart, James Hutton Institute

Stakeholder: Zero Waste Scotland and North East Scotland

This project has several objectives:

• To identify the bioeconomy opportunities within the agricultural sector now and in the coming decades.
• To evaluate these opportunities in relation to current research and available technology.
• To engage the sector in relation these opportunities. The focus of the project should be the North-east of Scotland with reference to the wider Scottish opportunity.

Agritech, Animal Health and Aquaculture: Improving Awareness and Links for Innovation Capacity in Scotland

Lead: Jenna Bowen, SRUC

Stakeholder: Life Sciences Scotland Industry Leadership Group - Animal Health, Agritech and Aquaculture (AAA) sub-group

Scotland’s AAA sector underpins Scotland’s high performing food and drink industry and is also important to life sciences and technology sectors. Despite being viewed as important for Scotland and indeed Scotland being felt to be a major contributor in the animal science sector globally, little validated information is available for AAA. In order to increase both the understanding of sectoral opportunities and collaboration of all stakeholders in the sector (public, academic, private), this fellowship will develop knowledge about the sector, that could contribute to a fuller consideration of its strengths/weaknesses, competitive advantages/disadvantages and opportunities or challenges.

Water Resources and Benefits to the Scottish Economy

Lead: Nazli Koseoglu, James Hutton Institute

Stakeholder: Water Industry Commission (WIC) for Scotland and Scotland’s Hydronation Initiative

As part of Scotland being a 'Hydro Nation' there is a  commitment to ensure that water resources are developed so as to bring the maximum benefit to the Scottish economy whilst working towards a goal of net zero carbon by 2040. This project will review the existing literature of the assessment and reporting of non-cash, non-monetised elements, such as carbon. This would involve a wider look at the treatment in reporting of natural capital, as part of the wider reporting framework that Scottish Water is exploring. Looking at the cost benefit analysis and the non-cash, monetised elements currently used in the water industry. This will assess the broad approaches used and provide recommendations.

Improving Uptake of Agro-ecology Approaches for Farming and Land Management

Lead: Ali Karley and Luz-Maria Lozada-Ellison

Stakeholder: Food, Farming and Countryside Commission

The project will explore how agroecological principles can provide long term benefits, such as improving land productivity, more resilient farming systems and valuing farming as a force for change.

Spatial Data Relevant to Land-based Policy Evolution in Scotland

Lead: Zisis Gagkas, James Hutton Institute

Stakeholder: Scottish Government Rural and Environment Science and Analytical Services (RESAS) 

The main aim of the Fellowship is to support improvements to the evaluation of land-based policies or related activities and decision-making. In so doing, the Fellowship will identify sources of spatially referenced data relevant to land-based policy evolution in Scotland and identify gaps in data provision and spatial data which might be useful in the future. Amongst a spectrum of policy relevance, it is expected that this project will contribute evidence to support informed decision making in relation to land use change, climate change and biodiversity loss, as central components of a more resilient and inclusive Scottish economy.