NatureScot recommends a “better resourced and more influential” UNESCO Biosphere after Galloway National Park proposal does not progress

The Galloway & Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Partnership has responded to the publication of NatureScot’s report on the Galloway National Park proposal, which recommended that designation should not proceed but that Scottish Government should “strengthen a range of existing arrangements, including a better resourced and more influential Galloway and Southern Ayrshire [UNESCO] Biosphere”.

Mairi Gougeon, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, announced in the Scottish Parliament on Thursday that that Galloway National Park proposal would not progress, stating that while the proposed area meets the standards set out in the National Park Act, there was not enough local support to proceed.

Working with the Galloway National Park Association, the GSAB Partnership was part of the joint submission proposing that Scotland’s third National Park should be located in the southwest, an area that has held UNESCO Biosphere status since 2012. Galloway emerged as Scottish Government’s preferred choice ahead of four other outstanding locations nationwide, and three potential boundary options for a Galloway National Park were put forward for public consideration in a 14-week consultation process which concluded in February 2025.

The GSAB Partnership’s own response to the consultation expressed strong support for a modern National Park that would empower diverse local stakeholders, envisaging a fully integrated dual-designated region in which the UNESCO Biosphere and National Park would deliver both environmental protections and sustainable economic development. In response to the Cabinet Secretary’s announcement several MSPs spoke about the need for continued support for the Galloway & Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Partnership; Sharon Dowey MSP raising the need for secure funding for the Biosphere and Elena Whitham MSP highlighting the “amazing buy-in from communities” that the Partnership has achieved.

Patrick Wiggins, Vice Chair of the GSA UNESCO Biosphere, said: “The last few months have seen passionate arguments both in favour of and against the creation of a new National Park for Scotland. Our position has always been that any future National Park should embrace the ethos of our UNESCO Biosphere by reflecting the voice and the views of local people, so whilst disappointed with the outcome we are pleased that NatureScot’s recommendation does exactly this. We were satisfied with the public consultation process which was accessible, thorough and transparent. Importantly from our perspective, the report offers encouragement as we look ahead to the future activity of the GSA Biosphere Partnership. We are pleased to have the vocal support of Scottish Ministers and recognition of our potential to attract investment, develop environmental protections, and help build sustainable communities in Scotland’s southwest.”

Ed Forrest, Director of the GSA UNESCO Biosphere, said: “Throughout the consultation process we advocated for a National Park that would build on the foundations created by thirteen years of positive local engagement and project delivery with communities, business and land managers by our UNESCO Biosphere Team. While this is not the outcome we had hoped for, we were pleased to have had positive feedback during the consultation and again in NatureScot’s report. As we look forward to the future, we know that the GSA Biosphere Partnership is well placed to continue to play a pivotal role in supporting the delivery of a shared and innovative vision for SW Scotland that is good for people, nature, and the regional economy.”

The Galloway & Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere is one of more than 700 such designations worldwide, all of which share a remit to lead and facilitate local action towards the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. The Galloway & Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Partnership is a registered Scottish charity (SC044137) working across the 9,720km² region in conservation, education, enterprise and climate resilience projects. More information is available at www.gsabiosphere.org.uk or by email request to info@gsabiosphere.org.uk.