The Welsh government’s promises to address nature loss and boost biodiversity have been criticized in a strongly worded report. The Senedd’s environment committee claimed ministers were devoid of a “plan, action and investment” to mitigate the hazardous decline in wildlife. At present, one in six species such as curlews and water voles have up to 90% probabilities of disappearing from Wales, which has witnessed a 20% reduction on average in its wildlife during the last three decades. The Welsh government declared its dedication to addressing the nature emergency and would assess the report’s 30 recommendations.
The study discovered that current legislation implemented to safeguard the environment had not performed as intended, with biodiversity still in decline. The committee declared that key policy documents meant to assist the Welsh government’s attempt at saving nature were outdated by “years”, and said the absence of staff and resources for nature purposes at the Welsh government was responsible for delays, missed deadlines, and failed commitments. It also singled out the cutbacks to Wales’ environment watchdog, Natural Resources Wales.
This year, ministers will reveal a long-awaited Nature Bill that will contain new environmental protections. The government said it would involve particular, legally binding targets for aiding species and ecosystems in recovering. The report stated that this more detailed task regarding biodiversity targets might need another four years, implying they would not be in place until 2029.
The chairman of the Senedd’s climate change, environment and infrastructure committee, Llyr Gruffydd, stated that the government was not closely following up its chatter regarding nature loss with real action. He added that if biodiversity targets did not exist till 2029, the government could not be determined about reaching its overarching goal of a more favorable scenario for nature by 2030. This would signify reneging on an international obligation that is not acceptable
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More