Appeal to new First Minister over nature
THE next First Minister of Wales needs to show stronger leadership to reverse the decline in nature, according to leading environment organisations.
WWF Cymru, Wildlife Trusts Wales and RSPB Cymru say the low priority given to protecting the environment has led to nature being lost – posing a threat to people and wildlife.
Since 1970, 56% of species in the UK have declined. Analysis also shows that none of Wales’ natural systems – from coasts to mountains – are healthy enough to face threats such as climate change, and one in 14 species is at risk of disappearing, with the State of Nature 2016 report also revealing that Wales is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world.
Now the organisations are calling on the next First Minister, due to be sworn in by the Assembly this month, to put Welsh nature “at the core of Government” and set strong targets for nature’s recovery.
They add that the new First Minister’s government also needs to recognise that investing in the environment’s health is essential for the prosperity of future generations.
The three organisations say that with strong environmental and sustainable development laws already in place, Carwyn Jones’ successor can show leadership, both across the UK and internationally, but only by making tangible changes.
They have set out a series of asks for the new First Minister, including setting legal targets, revamping the Nature Recovery Action Plan to protect and restore key sites for wildlife, putting more nature into neighbourhoods and investing more in nature.
Rachel Sharp, chief executive officer at Wildlife Trusts Wales, said: “This is a critical time for nature, every day matters due to the scale and pace of loss. In 2020 Wales will once again fail to reach its international commitment to stop the loss of biodiversity. So, over the next three years we will need a clear vision and decisive leadership that will invest time, effort and money, to create a sustainable future. We all stand to benefit, so committing to nature’s recovery should be a priority for any new First Minister.”
Sharon Thompson, head of policy and advocacy at RSPB Cymru added: “It is vital that the new First Minister builds on existing environmental standards rather than letting them slip and oversees the establishment of a strong, independent and wellresourced environmental watchdog to ensure these principles and laws are upheld.”
Anne Meikle, director of WWF Cymru said: “If we want our children and grandchildren to breathe clean air, see wildflowers and bees and have a safe climate, the time to act is now.
“The global crisis facing nature needs to be at the top of our next First Minister’s to-do list, with a significant ramping-up of action. We have passed good environmental laws in Wales but these laws have not yet translated into action that has hit home with the public.”
A Welsh Government spokesman said: “Wales is ahead of the rest of the UK in laying the foundations to protect biodiversity. Our Nature Recovery Action Plan sets out the action we’re taking.
“For example, we’re investing £4m to enhance our peatlands, sand dunes and woodlands in Wales. We will also publish our new planning policy for Wales this week, which will include a number of measures to protect the environment and wildlife.”