South Of Scotland Officially Designated As Scotland’s Natural Capital Innovation Zone

The South of Scotland has been officially designated as Scotland’s Natural Capital Innovation Zone (NCIZ) by the Deputy First Minister, Kate Forbes.

The accolade recognises the South of Scotland’s unique, unrivalled qualities which together provide a huge opportunity to drive forward the wellbeing economy.

With the South of Scotland’s vast natural capital assets, strong partnerships, and powerful entrepreneurial mindset, the NCIZ confirms that the region is perfectly positioned to drive change and help Scotland address the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change.

The NCIZ branding and promotional video were unveiled by the Deputy First Minister at the latest Convention of the South of Scotland (COSS) meeting.

It follows the South of Scotland Regional Economic Partnership (REP) showcasing its commitment to a nature positive future by also becoming the first region in Scotland to publish its Regional Land Use Framework (RLUF).

The RLUF is a key driver for the REP to achieve its aim of creating a green, fairer and flourishing region.

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said:

“The Scottish Government’s National Strategy for Economic Transformation makes clear that working with and investing in nature is a priority. Scotland’s natural assets contribute billions of pounds to the economy and thousands of jobs.

“People and businesses in the South of Scotland are building a unique agenda with which to capitalise on their heritage, strengths and assets. The region’s natural capital provides a huge opportunity on which to capitalise still further.

“The Natural Capital Innovation Zone is an initiative borne through the Convention of the South of Scotland to accelerate responsible investment in the region.

“I look forward to the partnership working which helped launch it continuing in order to drive important and exciting work across the South of Scotland – for the benefit of its economy, its people and its natural environment.”

Chair of South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) Russel Griggs said:

“With COP29 underway, we want the world to know that the South of Scotland is the nation’s Natural Capital Innovation Zone – it is the right time, we have the right people, and we have vast natural capital assets to help drive change.

“From our coastal and marine life, our dark skies and robust agricultural and forestry sectors, to our stunning landscapes and natural beauty – the South of Scotland is perfectly positioned to be leading the way in creating a wellbeing economy from natural capital.

“This, combined with our strong partnership and entrepreneurial mindset, is what makes our region special.

“Through continuing to work together, we can further natural capital opportunities, attract responsible investment and drive forward innovation to benefit our region and the rest of Scotland.”

Councillor Euan Jardine, Leader of Scottish Borders Council, said:

“Partners across the South of Scotland are committed to a forward-thinking approach to sustainable development, including leveraging our unique natural assets that stretch from coast to coast for a green, fair and flourishing future, as envisioned in the South of Scotland Regional Economic Strategy.

“Being designated as the nation’s Natural Capital Innovation Zone by the Deputy First Minister is testament to that commitment and we will continue to work together to drive change.

“From new product development, processes and innovation in delivering nature-based solutions, everyone can play a huge part in their own success and the success of region in supporting and growing the economy and at the same time addressing biodiversity loss and climate change.”

Councillor Gail Macgregor, Leader of Dumfries and Galloway Council, said:

“The NCIZ is an exciting initiative aimed at encouraging and accelerating responsible investment to the South of Scotland and use our combined strengths to deliver multiple socio-economic benefits for the region and the rest of Scotland.

“The South of Scotland is already being used as living lab to take forward nature-based solutions, and we want this to continue because we have the ambition and potential to use our natural capital to bring greater economic benefit to tackle climate and nature emergencies.

“The NCIZ provides a framework and opportunity for natural capital activity across the South of Scotland, being delivered by a range of organisations and partnerships at various scale.”