The high quality of the coast and countryside is one of Wales’ major assets. A substantial part of Wales is protected by some form of landscape or conservation designation. Protection of the coast and countryside is important for tourism, the economy and for people’s quality of life as well as the long-term sustainability of the environment.
Local Authorities and national parks have both statutory and non-statutory responsibilities in respect of nature conservation and play a pivotal role in safeguarding and enhancing biodiversity. It is implicit within the concept of sustainable development and must be embedded within Community Strategies and Local Development Plans.
However it is clear that biodiversity is not just about nature conservation but about the whole range of policies and actions that local government and national parks are involved in. These other service and policy areas must reflect this and understand how they impact upon the environment and biodiversity. The Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 makes this clear, as does the Habitats Directive and Wild Birds Directive.
Local Authorities also play an active role in enhancing the quality of the natural environment. For example, local authorities manage high quality or sensitive areas such as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Local Nature Reserves and oversee the management, protection and enhancement of biodiversity in their areas. Authorities also promote enjoyment of the countryside through Country Parks and maintenance of the rights of way public network.
Publication: Increasing the Momentum (Association of Local Government Ecologists)
Description: Details the individual parts of the statutory role that each local authority has with regard to biodiversity.
For more information contact: Craig Mitchell