Wales nature is in trouble. We think of Wales as a green and pleasant land, but the reality is we are one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world. Today Welsh Government is announcing further commitments to save nature. This comes after months of consultation with experts, including the Wildlife Trusts, and shows a new focus by the Welsh Government on tackling the nature crisis.

In December this year, international leaders will meet in Canada for the UN Biodiversity Conference COP15 (Conference of Parties). This is the nature COP as COP26 was the Climate COP. Here we hope leaders will sign a new commitment to bringing nature back across the planet. A key commitment will be the management of 30% of land and sea for nature by 2030, known as 30x30. Also proposed will be cutting nutrient pollution by half, pesticides by 66% and eliminating plastic pollution.

Today (03/10/2022) Julie James, MS Climate Change Minister, is announcing Welsh Government’s recommendations for 30x30 for COP15. WTW has inputted, and we are heartened by today’s announcements, especially on the back of the UK Government’s attack on nature last week with their intention to scrap all environmental legislation.

Rachel Sharp, the Director of Wildlife Trusts Wales, welcomes the recommendations:

“Today sees a real commitment by Welsh Government to tackle the nature crisis. We need more land and sea to be managed for nature as it benefits everyone in Wales by holding back flood water, storing carbon, and providing the building blocks for food production in Wales. However, we all need to play a role if we are to reverse the dramatic loss of nature we depend on.”

Key to achieving 30x30 are protected sites in Wales; they are some of the few areas where nature can still flourish, and they cover 10% of Wales. However, most of these sites need restoring urgently including our globally significant peatlands, so the announcement of increased peatland restoration is welcomed.

Also welcomed is the intention to create more protected sites on land and at sea and the recognition of Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECM’s). This is land owned by public bodies and organisations like the Ministry of Defence. Unfortunately, designating sites isn’t enough; they must be managed and restored. We have also warned against thinking National Parks that cover 28% of Wales can be counted as the land isn’t primarily managed for nature.

Farming’s contribution through opportunities in the new Sustainable Farming Scheme will also be important to reaching 30x30. Farmers will be paid to store carbon, store water, and bring nature and habitats back (also known as a public good). These payments should help more farms to become financially stable, but nature’s recovery will need further investment by Welsh Government.