Realising a just transition for agricultural peatlands in Scotland: governance barriers

Scotland has committed to restore 250,000 hectares of peatland by 2030. Yet, large areas of peatland are under agricultural management and are subject to conflicting demands. The RESPECT project investigates the role of historic and current laws and policies in driving forward peatland use change. This research highlights the role that law has had in concentrating power over, and benefits from, ‘agriculturally improved’ peatlands. As Scotland is dedicated to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from land in a fair and just way, our research identifies key barriers – notably in the governance of agricultural peatlands – to realising a just transition towards sustainable management and restoration. Such barriers relate to a lack of inclusive strategic land use planning, reliance on voluntary action – shaped by unregulated markets – to deliver crucial public goods, and a lack of integration of current and future community interests in land decisions.