Welsh ministers consult on environment body
The Welsh government is seeking views on a new body responsible for conserving and protecting the country’s natural resources.
The Natural Resources Body for Wales will replace Environment Agency Wales, the Countryside Council for Wales and the Forestry Commission for Wales.
It was created because the Welsh government believed it would result in a more sustainable and effective management of natural resources and cut to a minimum unnecessary duplication.
But before it becomes operational in April the Welsh government wants to know what the people of Wales think of how it will work.
Environment minister, John Griffiths, has launched a seven-week consultation inviting views on its powers and functions.
“This new body has a vital part to play in ensuring the health of the Welsh environment and its economy, so it is vital we get the detail right.”
John Griffiths
Over the first 10 years of its existence, the body is expected to deliver up to £158m in benefits to the Welsh rural economy.
“This new body has a vital part to play in ensuring the health of the Welsh environment and its economy, so it is vital we get the detail right,” said Mr Griffiths.
“It must maintain the crucial work of the three existing bodies in protecting the natural environment, maintaining its cultural and historic landscape and ensuring access to the countryside and coast.”
It also needs to develop to meet the challenges of the future and therefore its duties and powers must be clear, he added.
“This additional consultation will provide us with further views to shape the new body and I would urge those parties with an interest to feed into the process,” said the minister.
The consultation will look at the overarching duties of the new body and specifically those relating to natural beauty, conservation, access, protection of historic landscape and forestry and it will also consider the legal and working arrangements of the body including cross-border issues, regulation and enforcement and monitoring and sampling of cross-border sites and impacts.
People have until 5 October to submit their views.
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