Scottish Parliament – Nov. 9, 2022 – 4

The result of the division on motion S6M-06658, in the name of Màiri McAllan, on forestry’s contribution to net zero Scotland, as amended, is: For 90, Against 29, Abstentions 0. Motion, as amended, agreed to, That the Parliament acknowledges the essential contribution to net zero that trees, woods and forests make, tackling the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss, especially ahead of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) COP27;

notes the importance of growing and maintaining a resilient forest resource to sustain its economic, social and environmental contribution;

welcomes the achievements made in implementing Scotland’s Forestry Strategy 2019-2029;

further welcomes the creation of 4,362 hectares of native woodland in 2021, delivering the target agreed in the Bute House Agreement, which will be reviewed in the forthcoming biodiversity strategy, and reiterates the commitment to increase the use of domestic timber, and the Scottish Government’s annual woodland creation target, which increases to 18,000 hectares by 2025;

recognises that the rate of growth in tree planting in Scotland slowed in recent years;

calls on the Scottish Government to ensure that forestry plans deliver its tree planting targets, increase biodiversity and tackle climate change;

celebrates the contribution of Scotland’s forestry workers and their trade unions, and recognises the importance of maintaining and increasing a highly skilled workforce, and contributing to a low carbon Just Transition.