This document provides a response by the Rapid Engagement with Stressed Peatlands and Communities in Transformation (RESPECT) project to the Scottish Government’s Ecosystem Restoration Code (ERC) survey. It raises fundamental questions about the desirability and purpose of developing a biodiversity trading scheme, citing evidence that the ecological effectiveness of voluntary markets is often limited and compliance markets only work if supported by effective implementation, governance and enforcement. Our response highlights concerns that a focus on natural capital trading risks conflict with Scottish public policy goals relating to land reform, community wealth building, new entrants and a just transition. RESPECT calls for a fundamental discussion on the purpose of another code, as well as robust regulation and adequate public resourcing of independent monitoring, verification and enforcement. The interdisciplinary RESPECT project is part of the Land Use for Net Zero, Nature and People (LUNZ) Hub and is funded by the UKRI Land Use for Net Zero programme. It aims to produce data, methods, landholder tools and proposals for governance reforms to change agricultural practices on peatland. RESPECT brings together researchers across Scotland and England with expertise in the natural and social sciences, humanities and law. RESPECT will also produce a Peatland Triage Tool (PTT), providing decision-support for landowners, land managers, farmers and crofters (collectively ‘landholders’) seeking to undertake peatland restoration.
Geelhoed et al. (Thu,) studied this question.
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