While Scotland’s natural environment belongs to everyone, not everyone has the same opportunities to access, enjoy and shape it. Many communities continue to face barriers to participating in environmental discussions, influencing decisions and accessing opportunities within the growing green economy.
Through its Ethnic Minority Environmental Network (EMEN), CEMVO Scotland is helping to change that, supporting people from diverse backgrounds to have a stronger voice in shaping Scotland’s environmental future.
With support from JRCT, CEMVO Scotland has expanded this work through a £199,925 grant over 36 months as part of the Sustainable Future programme’s New Voices strand, which supports campaigns and movements that strengthen the voices of underrepresented groups on issues of environmental and economic justice.
Spending time in nature can support wellbeing, strengthen community connections and foster a sense of belonging. However, data shows that only 52%* of people from minority ethnic backgrounds visit the outdoors on a weekly basis.
To address this, EMEN partnered with NatureScot on a community-led campaign promoting the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Through a micro-grant programme, members developed culturally relevant resources and videos explaining outdoor access rights in an engaging and accessible way. The campaign aimed to increase awareness and encourage more people to enjoy Scotland's natural environment.
Digital exclusion can prevent people from accessing services, education, employment opportunities and environmental campaigns that matter to them. It can also limit opportunities to network, learn and participate in community initiatives.
In response, EMEN supported the creation of a digital inclusion hub in Paisley, accepting donations of refurbished desktop computers through a circular economy initiative. The project improved digital access for local people while promoting the reuse of technology in a sustainable way.
People from minority ethnic backgrounds remain underrepresented across many environmental professions in Scotland.
To help address this, EMEN organised a green jobs fair in partnership with Equal Jobs, CIEEM and other organisations. The event provided CV support, networking opportunities and direct connections with employers, enabling participants to explore pathways into environmental careers and supporting efforts to build a more diverse and inclusive workforce.
EMEN's climate ambassador programme is helping to develop the next generation of climate leaders by providing leadership development and community engagement opportunities.
Through regular events, workshops and webinars, participants connect with environmental organisations from across Scotland and explore different approaches to climate action and climate justice. The programme has helped build a growing network of community leaders, empowering people to influence environmental discussions and take action within their own communities.
The programme and its impacts was spotlighted by Glasgow Times: International youngsters are Glasgow's climate ambassadors | Glasgow Times.
Climate change affects people in different ways, shaped by factors such as culture, place and personal experience. Yet climate engagement resources do not always reflect this diversity of experience.
Through EMEN, CEMVO Scotland partnered with the University of Glasgow and Education Evolved to co-design SEvEN: Seven Voices, One Future, an interactive educational video game exploring climate experiences in Scotland.
EMEN members participated in workshops during the development process, helping to ensure that the stories and experiences represented in the game were authentic and accurate. The result is an innovative learning tool that highlights environmental justice issues while demonstrating the value of community-led co-production.
The experiences and perspectives of people from diverse communities are often underrepresented in environmental media and public debate.
Recognising the importance of creating space for these voices, EMEN launched the Minority Earth podcast in December 2025. The podcast highlights the work and experiences of grassroots organisers, activists and community leaders working on environmental and climate issues.
By sharing these stories, the podcast is helping to increase the visibility of community leadership and broaden participation in conversations about environmental justice across Scotland.
*NatureScot, multi-year tracking