Work

Governing innovative finance options for peatland restoration in Scotland

Year: 2026

Type: report

Abstract: This report examines how Scotland can scale private and blended finance for peatland restoration without compromising value for money, market integrity or fairness. The research was co-produced with Scottish Government and draws on policy analysis, 37 interviews and a policy roundtable. It evaluates the Natural Capital Market Framework, the Peatland ACTION Carbon Contracts Pilot, the BSI Nature Investment Standards, UK ETS integration and a land emissions tax. The findings show these instruments interact and must work as a coordinated policy mix. Six options are proposed for piloting: revised risk-sharing, alternative blended finance models, a staged emissions tax, an insetting pathway, community benefit standards and clarified crofting rights.

Source: SRUC research data repository

DOI: 10.58073/sruc.34901490

Authors: Mark Reed, Imogen Bliss, Eric Jensen, Rosie Everett, Gabriela Kolpak, Mathieu Gasowski, Lorenzo Pugliese

Language: English

Topic: Environmental Conservation and Management

Subfield: Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Life on land, Climate action

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W7225200467

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