Llŷr Gruffydd, chair of the Senedd’s Climate Change Committee, has drawn attention to the slow pace of biodiversity initiatives in Wales, highlighting discrepancies between government claims and real progress. During a debate on May 7, Gruffydd expressed frustration over the timeline set by the Welsh Government, suggesting that the ambitious targets for biodiversity protection are “unlikely” to be established until 2029. This timeframe contradicts statements from government officials asserting that halting nature loss is a priority.
The inquiry convened by the committee revealed that Wales is far from achieving the internationally recognised “30 by 30” goal, which aims to protect 30 per cent of land and sea for nature by the year 2030. Gruffydd pointed out that the groundwork for establishing these targets began over two years ago, raising questions about the feasibility of further delays. He noted, “It seems inconceivable that it will take another four years,” underscoring a growing concern that these targets might fall victim to bureaucratic inertia.
Critics, including Gruffydd, have called for a more ambitious timeline, yet this plea was ultimately rebuffed by Welsh ministers. They maintained that the recommended changes are “simply impossible,” a stance that seems at odds with similar initiatives undertaken by the UK and Scottish governments, which have reportedly made significant strides in less than a year.
The urgency of this issue is magnified by findings from the 2023 “State of Nature” report, which revealed alarming trends in biodiversity across Wales. The report indicates a 20 per cent average decline in Welsh wildlife since 1994, with one in six native species now threatened with extinction. Gruffydd remarked, “That report details the devastating scale of nature loss across the country,” reinforcing the need for immediate and effective action.
Delyth Jewell, another member of Plaid Cymru, voiced her concerns about society's increasing desensitisation to environmental destruction, stating, “I'm concerned that our society and the world has become used to the destruction.” This sentiment reflects a broader anxiety that the plummeting health of Wales’ environment is being overlooked amidst political inaction.
Further complicating these efforts is the criticism levelled at the Environment (Wales) Act 2016, which many argue has had little tangible impact on reversing biodiversity decline. An Audit Wales report supported this view, highlighting fundamental shortcomings in the legislation's implementation.
Despite these setbacks, reports from the Welsh Government indicate some progress. Although many aspects of biodiversity remain in decline, the 'Wellbeing of Wales, 2024: a resilient Wales' report acknowledges areas of improvement. However, it stresses the necessity for intensified efforts to address the underlying issues leading to loss and degradation of species. The Welsh Government's Biodiversity Deep Dive update, published in May 2023, identifies the steps required to increase the effectiveness of ongoing initiatives, hinting at a commitment to accelerating biodiversity recovery.
In December 2022, the Welsh Government had called for a “game-changing” global biodiversity agreement at COP15 in Montreal, aligning their efforts with the global agenda to protect natural environments. Their plans include creating a National Forest to safeguard ancient woodlands and promote new tree planting, initiatives that reflect Wales’ commitment to the broader ambition of biodiversity recovery.
Ultimately, while the Welsh Government has reiterated its intentions to enhance biodiversity and ecosystem resilience, concrete actions and accelerated timelines remain crucial if the nation is to meet its international commitments and avert further nature loss.
Reference Map
- Paragraphs 1-2, 3, 4
- Paragraphs 5, 6
- Paragraph 7
- Paragraphs 8, 9
- Paragraphs 10, 11
- Paragraph 12
- Paragraph 13
Source: Noah Wire Services