Welsh government allocates fund to tackle climate and nature emergencies
29 projects across Wales have been confirmed to benefit from the Nature Networks Fund, which invests in the condition and connectivity of the protected site network.
The selected sites provide vital protection for nearly 70 species and more than 50 types of habitats which face threats worldwide.
They also contribute to the Welsh economy through tourism, farming, fishing and forestry, and provide vital services for residents including purifying drinking water and storing carbon.
The minister for climate change confirmed £7m of funding to support these projects, as she said: ‘Tackling the climate and nature emergencies is at the heart of everything we do – we must protect our environment for future generations to enjoy.
‘Recognising the importance of harnessing the power of local communities, this funding will support citizen science, school engagement programmes and volunteer training to build networks of people engaged with these sites, which are cornerstones of our nature recovery work. We need a ‘Team Wales’ approach if we are to achieve our ambitious plans to restore nature. We want everyone in Wales to see nature – because if people engage with nature, they value nature.’
Andrew White, director of the National Lottery Heritage Fund in Wales, added: ‘From restoring wetlands, to creating rich habitat for wildlife to flourish, it is vital that we preserve and rebuild our natural heritage.
‘The Nature Networks scheme, in partnership with the Welsh Government, will allow projects to carry out direct conservation which is essential in protecting our biodiversity, and will also increase public awareness of how and why we need to protect our future.’
Selected projects include a Newport City Council scheme to enhance the biodiversity of the former Tredegar Golf Course by monitoring and supporting the sand martin population, and a project being carried out by Gwent Wildlife Trust to enhance vulnerable habitats in 14 nature reserves.
Photo by Beth Jnr