Exploring policy coherence for land use transformations: The case of Scotland

Area of Science:

• Environmental Policy
• Land Use Planning
• Socio-ecological Systems

Background:

• Multiple interconnected crises (climate, biodiversity, austerity) necessitate systemic policy responses.
• Policy coherence, integrating governmental levers holistically, is increasingly called for to address complex socio-ecological challenges.
• Land use transformation is critical for sustainable development and achieving climate and nature goals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively analyze policy coherence (horizontal and vertical) in Scottish land use policies.
• To assess policy coherence for land use transformation, focusing on climate action, nature, and Just Transitions.
• To examine synergies, conflicts, and improvement opportunities within 66 land use and 11 agricultural policies.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 66 Scottish land use policies for their contribution to land use transformation.
• In-depth policy coherence analysis of 11 specific agricultural policies.
• Investigating policy synergies, conflicts, and potential improvements through a multi-faceted coherence approach.

Main Results:

• Half of the 66 land use policies examined supported land use transformation, though potential hidden conflicts were identified.
• Collective analysis of 11 agricultural policies revealed clear coherence, but individual policy examination showed a lack thereof.
• Policy coherence is challenging but essential for effective land use transformation and addressing systemic crises.

Conclusions:

• Attention to multiple forms of policy coherence is crucial for effective land use transformation.
• Revising and designing policies with a focus on coherence can uncover opportunities to tackle pressing environmental and social challenges.
• Addressing policy coherence gaps, particularly within agricultural policies, is key to achieving ambitious sustainability targets.