At COP15 in December 2022, 196 countries signed up to a deal to protect nature, agreeing on targets that protect, restore, and revive our environment. This international meeting came with the commitment to protect and effectively manage 30% of land and sea by 2030, known as the 30x30 pledge. As well as signing up to these pledges, Welsh Government have also committed to reducing the risk from pesticides and nitrate pollution by 50% by 2030, another COP15 agreement.
Pathways to 2030 – A crucial report is being launched today for our future.
Organisations, including Wildlife Trusts Wales, are in Cardiff today launching a report outlining the areas that need investment from Welsh Government to ensure a wilder future for all.
Climate march, Credit - Leanne Manchester
Although internationally agreed, it is the responsibility of each country to act on these pledgees, and so this report being launched today states the 10 priority areas for investment for natures recovery in Wales. The report sets out the annual costs of STOPPING activities that are damaging nature, REDUCING adverse effects on nature, and STARTING to deliver positive actions for natures recovery.
The themes outlined in the report include access and public participation, farming, coast, seas, peat, grasslands, protected sites, rivers and wetlands, woodlands, and species. Each theme points out key interventions and how much annual investment is needed towards that theme between now and 2030. With these clear costs in place, policymakers, politicians, and anyone working towards protecting nature can see where resources need assigning.
Ben Hall/2020VISION
Natures recovery and farming can go hand in hand - Photo Credit James Adler
Mark Hamblin/2020VISION
Seagrass with Anemone Credit - Paul Naylor
Mark Hamblin/2020 VISION
Katrina Martin / 2020VISION
Helena Dolby, Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust
Daisy Vasanthakumar
©Derek Moore
Rachel Sharp, Director of Wildlife Trusts Wales, welcomed this report stating:
"The report today sets out clear priorities for nature's recovery in Wales. There is a £7 billion shortfall in the investment needed to meet our 30x30 commitments in Wales. But by investing in nature today, Wales will become more resilient to climate change by alleviating storm damage caused by flooding, winds and waves. Every £1 invested today can save nearly £7 in health costs tomorrow. The people of Wales will also benefit from a life enriched by nature”.
For a full or easy read version of the report, head to the link below. Only by putting nature first will we be able to ensure a wilder future for generations to come, and now is the time to act.
