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As the climate crisis intensifies, the management of natural capital – the natural resources of our planet – has never been more crucial. With rising temperatures and increasingly frequent extreme weather events accelerating the depletion these resources, safeguarding them is more urgent than ever. “Natural capital underpins all life on Earth,” says Ed Forrest, Director of the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire (GSA) UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, one of the 5 selected sites for the second cycle of the UNESCO and abrdn Charitable Foundation (aCF) project Promoting sustainable development through UNESCO’s programmes and sites. 

The GSA Biosphere Reserve is making pioneering efforts to enhance our understanding and management of natural capital, particularly in agriculture. In Scotland, where 98% of the land is classified as ‘rural’, and much of it is farmed, farmers are crucial environmental stewards. Ed goes on to highlight that “This is a critical time for farming locally and globally as we grapple with climate change and economic uncertainty. The interest that natural capital auditing has generated from the local farming community, public agencies and policy makers is testimony to the importance of this line of work”.

The project “Whole Farm Plans for Agricultural Natural Capital Resilience: Audit Methodology,” implemented by the GSA Biosphere Reserve, focuses on developing a new audit methodology to enhance climate resilience, increase carbon sequestration and reduce carbon footprints. This methodology will help identify and quantify the effectiveness of real-life management solutions for environmental issues, providing farmers with valuable tools to implement sustainable changes.

Brady was contracted to support the GSA Biosphere in delivering the project which helps farmers reduce inputs, cut GHG emissions, create habitats for local species, and more. “The audit methodology we have developed with the Biosphere team focuses on 6 key areas to cultivate these tools: Biodiversity; Water quantity and footprint; Soil health; Carbon sequestration; Farming input reductions; and Landscape character, access and recreation. By improving these areas, the methodology not only supports environmental sustainability but also has tangible benefits for local communities,” he adds. 

The GSA Biosphere Reserve is home to around 100,000 people, most of whom live in small rural villages and towns. “These communities rely heavily on traditional industries such as livestock farming and textiles, which face threats from environmental changes,” observes Brady. “The Biosphere Reserve’s work is contributing towards ensuring a sustainable future for these industries, as well as for the vital carbon stores and rich biodiversity found in the native woodlands.”

Engaging members of these local communities, the Biosphere’s team partnered with Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), a public institution specialising in agricultural and life sciences, to develop the educational component of the project. The educational workshop, held on 29 April 2024 included 40 students between the ages 17-27, who engaged in site visits and learnt about the project’s methodology and importance, equipping them with valuable experience for emerging natural capital markets and reinforcing sustainability practices.

The workshop was an enriching experience, as students suggested that the tools were relevant for natural capital and would be beneficial and applicable for use on a farm. Most of all, they showed their excitement about having gained awareness of natural capital management and the concept of farming for nature.

Having committed to protecting 30% of terrestrial ecosystems by 2030, and aiming to become net zero by 2045, the Scottish Government is dedicated to addressing the climate crisis. “The Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Reserve will continue to actively engage with NatureScot and the Scottish Government, aiming to integrate the project’s outcomes and application into broader governmental strategies and policies in order to help meet these goals,” affirms Ed. 

The results of the project are expected to be scaled up into the larger Borderlands Natural Capital Initiative. Funded by the Scottish government, this 5-year programme aims to pilot the audit methodology on 12 selected farms. “This partnership underscores a shared commitment to a sustainable future, proving that when communities, governments, and international bodies work together, the path towards environmental resilience is achievable,” notes Ed. 

Whilst the natural capital auditing process is only at the very beginning of its journey, the interest that it generates from the local farming community, public agencies and policymakers is testimony to its significance. The GSA UNESCO Biosphere Reserve serves as a model site for piloting and implementing the natural capital auditing process, laying the groundwork for future practices.