Wales' new approach to managing the natural environment outlined

The next steps in plans to radically transform how Wales manages and protects its environment, countryside and seas have been outlined in a report.

Plans to adopt a new ‘ecosystem approach’ have been published in a progress report on 'A Living Wales', the Welsh Assembly Government’s new framework for managing the living environment.

The new approach will look at the environment as a whole and set out a much more integrated approach to managing the natural environment that improves the health of ecosystems as a whole.

The main changes that the new ecosystem approach will bring are a focus on the value of the environment as a whole, delivering environmental, social and economic outcomes, changes to how decisions affecting the environment are made and delivering opportunities for public involvement.

Also, delivering positive environmental change,  delivering positive economic and social opportunities and looking at the potential creation of a single environment body for Wales.

Environment Minister Jane Davidson said: "A Living Wales seeks to ensure a much more integrated approach to managing our eco-systems."

"It puts eco-systems and their services right at the heart of our decision making processes and is aimed at ensuring that we treat our natural environment with the full consideration and respect it deserves."

Further information:
Welsh Assembly Government