Image source, bbc

Francesca Osowska from Scottish Natural Heritage reiterates that SNH's budget has reduced by 25% in the last five years, with a marked reduction in the number of staff working in the organisation.

Ms Osowska accepts things are unlikely to improve going forward.

Jonathan Hughes from the Scottish Wildlife Trust says England and Wales are getting 20 times the funding than we are getting in Scotland.

The knock on impacts of this have an effect on charities like the Scottish Wildlife Trust, he adds.

Only six of the 41 trusts that give to environmental charities are in Scotland Mr Hughes explains.

SNP MSP Angus Macdonald asks about the greatest risk of budget reductions, particularly on enforcement spend.

Jonathan Hughes of the Scottish Wildlife Trust reiterates that green infrastructure is often more cost effective than other infrastructure.

The biggest impact will be the risks of climate change, he states.

Strategic priorities have been identified by government but have not been followed up on, which Mr Hughes argues will have a big negative impact.

Image source, PA

Here's what we know and are expecting in Nicola Sturgeon's speech this afternoon:

• 12 new pieces of legislation
• focus on mental health, environment and sustainable growth in the economy
• "major announcements" on health, the economy and social security
• focus on low-carbon growth, extra funding for mental health services and detailed plans for new welfare powers
• "the most ambitious long-term level of infrastructure spend that Scotland has ever seen"
• multiple mentions of Brexit!

Image source, bbc

Green MSP Mark Ruskell asks about the green infrastructure fund established by SNH.

Francesca Osowska says the fund covers around 30 disadvantaged communities.

Jonathan Hughes from the Scottish Wildlife Trust explains a recent study showed there was less stress for those living in greener streets in urban areas.

Mr Hughes insists the arguments are compelling for green areas and SNH's budget has been falling in recent years, which impairs its ability to deliver on these preventative spend measures that could save Scotland money.

He adds that investment in SNH is critical.

Tory MSP Donald Cameron turns conversation to the national outcome around encouraging people to be healthy and active.

To what extent are the benefits being realised, Mr Cameron asks.

NHS Health Scotland's Phil Mackie says it is necessary to open up the natural environment to ensure people can take activity into their own hands.

Collaboration between various organisations is an essential first step, he states, but adds that many of the changes being discussed will be generational in nature.

Iain Gulland from Zero Waste Scotland calls for training for councils in sustainable development and the circular economy.

Mr Gulland says his organisation has a very good relationship with the NHS and there has been an improvement in retaining assets that, in the past, were thrown out.

Plans and discussions around a national ecological network are ongoing between SNH and the Scottish government, confirms Ms Osowska.

Phil Mackie of NHS Health Scotland notes the ecological framework goes beyond the environment but will help all organisations collaborate and ensure sustainable development goals are achieved.

Tory MSP Finlay Carson pivots to the circular economy investment fund.

Iain Gulland from Zero Waste Scotland says there is a focus on innovation and jobs at the moment, stating there is a "huge appetite" for projects that will deliver transformative change.

Image source, bbc

The committee briefly touches on the tissue of toilet provision in Scotland.

North Coast 500 is one of Scotland's most scenic routes, but some communities on it worry the experience is at risk due to a lack of public toilet provision. BBC Scotland's Iain MacInnes travelled the route in July to investigate the growing row.

The NC500 route is hotting up again this year, bringing thousands of visitors to the winding roads of the north Highlands.

For tourists and locals alike - as for us all - there is sometimes the need to stop and spend a penny.

But under Highland Council plans to close a number of toilets in the region, already short on provision, that could become a bit more of an issue.

• Plans to shut almost 30 toilets across Highlands delayed
• Read more here

Image source, bbc

Francesca Osowska from Scottish Natural Heritage, external says the environment must be seen as an asset, but an asset that must be protected from depletion.

Scotland's natural capital is worth around £20bn to the economy according to current estimates, she explains.

Ms Osowska argues the important message today is that the organisations giving evidence must lever in funds.

Image source, Getty Images

Visitor numbers to Scotland were up by 17% during last year while spending rose by almost a quarter, according to the Office for National Statistics.

The weakened pound since the Brexit vote in 2016 helped boost numbers, particularly for holidays.

Overseas vacationers in Scotland increased by 27%, and their spending rose nearly a fifth.

Business travel also rose, with spending by those from other parts of the European Union more than doubling.

• Why are tourists flocking to Scotland?
• Record attendance for visitor attractions
• 'Phenomenal' summer for Scots tourism

Tory MSP Finlay Carson kicks off questioning with a query about the benefits for the economy and jobs of maintaining biodiversity and a high quality natural environment.

Ridell Graham from VisitScotland highlights that 50% of people come to Scotland specifically for the scenery and landscape.

VisitScotland plays a very important role in marketing that, he explains.

Mr Graham tells the committee the two national parks feed into this and his organisation works very closely with them.

Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee convener John Scott gets us underway, introducing the witnesses:

• Ridell Graham from VisitScotland, external
• Iain Gulland from Zero Waste Scotland, external
• Jonathan Hughes from the Scottish Wildlife Trust, external
• Phil Mackie from NHS Health Scotland, external
• Francesca Osowska from Scottish Natural Heritage, external

Read the submissions here., external

Image source, PA

The Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee, external will shortly take evidence on the draft budget for 2019-20.

MSPs will take evidence from:

• Ridell Graham from VisitScotland, external
• Iain Gulland from Zero Waste Scotland, external
• Phil Mackie from NHS Health Scotland, external
• Francesca Osowska from Scottish Natural Heritage, external

The committee is seeking to identify the most cost effective preventative investments in its portfolio and those that contribute most to achieving the Scottish government’s national outcomes, particularly on health and the economy.

Read the submissions here., external

Philip Sim
BBC Scotland political reporter

MSPs are returning from their holidays for a new term at Holyrood. Brexit continues to dominate the political agenda, but what else will politicians have in their in-trays as they settle back in after the summer recess?

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No, there won't be any getting away from it. You can't move six inches in politics without tripping over Brexit.

There's every chance that within the month, the wheels will have fallen off the political clown car and we'll be staring down the barrel of a snap general election or another referendum.

But until the next seemingly inevitable crisis, Scotland's politicians have plenty to be getting on with. New ministers are settling into their jobs after June's dramatic reshuffle, and legislative proposals are piling up.

Here's a (relatively) Brexit-free guide to what MSPs will be focusing on over the next few months.