Many land-based jobs/nature-based jobs are vital to ensure Scotland meets net zero targets and biodiversity targets by 2045. Land-based jobs can be within a variety of sectors, including tourism, food & drink, renewable energy and sustainable production.
Land-based/nature-based roles can include forestry, fisheries, mining, renewable energy, dairies, farming, water management, land management, civil engineering, countryside/park ranger services, conservation and research.
- Between 2015 and 2019, increase in nature-based jobs increased by 12,031, equivalent to a 7.5% increase – five times the rate of increase of all jobs across Scotland. This increase accounted for 31.7% of all job growth in Scotland during this period.
- In 2019, there were an estimated 195,000 nature-based jobs in Scotland (equivalent to 7.5% of all jobs).
- Also 67,000 jobs in energy production, including renewables. A further 2,400 jobs in mining activities.
- After whisky, seafood is Scotland’s second largest export, sold to over 100 countries.
- Scottish Government – Scottish biodiversity strategy to 2045 – Tackling the Nature Emergency (Sept 2023)
- Scottish Government – The Environment Strategy for Scotland (2020)
- NatureScot Research Report – Supporting a green recovery: an initial assessment of nature-based jobs and skills (2020)
- Skills Development Scotland – Climate Emergency Skills Action Plan (2020-2025)
- Forestry and Land Scotland – Climate Change Plan (Nov 2021)
- Scottish Government – Commission for the land-based learning review (Jan 2023)
- OCIEEM / Lantra report – Opening Up Vocational Pathways Into Nature-based Green Jobs (Nov 2023)
- Green Jobs for Nature
- Working for Nature YouTube video series
- Forestry and Land Scotland – Learning Resources
- Lantra Scotland – Resources for Schools
- Lantra Scotland – “Jim gets a job for the day in …” video clips
- NatureScot – Scotland’s Nature Agency
- Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET)
- Learning resources from James Hutton Institute
