Report sets out pathway to a sustainable future for Wales

windfarm Transforming the way we all live is vital to address the climate and nature emergencies facing Wales, according to the State of Natural Resources Report.

SoNaRR2020 is the evidence base that assesses the sustainable management of natural resources in Wales.

Using the very latest information and research available, it builds on the findings of the first report published in 2016, taking a fresh look at the challenges facing the Welsh environment now and in the future.

It also sets out an ambition to bridge the gap from where we are now to where we need to be to achieve Wales’ aspirations for sustainable living.

The report explains how the well-being of both people and the planet are intertwined, setting out how Wales could deliver environmental change through transforming the systems we all use to support our lifestyles. It suggests that redesigning the energy, transport and food systems could help society to live within its environmental capacity and address the pressures causing the nature and climate emergencies.

By re-assessing the individual actions we take, making pro-environmental behaviours the easiest choice, and taking opportunities for systems change through policy development, SoNaRR2020 presents real opportunity for change.

Sir David Henshaw, our Chair said;

“As part of our ongoing commitment to taking a greener pathway out of the global Covid-19 pandemic, we must also seize the opportunity to re-imagine how we use global natural resources more sustainably to address the dual threats of the climate and nature emergencies.

“This report was created with a concerted effort. We’ve worked with the business, public and environmental sectors to make this a robust and wide-reaching report. It holds the keys to unlocking how we can make Wales a sustainable society for us all so that we can live happy, healthy lives in ways that consider the needs of the environment.”

You can take a look at the report and what our partners had to say or read an authoured article by Clare Pillman that appeared in yesterday's Western Mail.

Tighter phosphate targets change our view of the state of Welsh rivers

natural-section-of-river-showing-undisturbed-gravel-shoals For the first time since stricter targets for phosphate levels were set for Wales’ rivers, we have published an evidence package outlining phosphate levels for all river Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) across Wales.

There are nine river SACs in Wales – Cleddau, Eden, Gwyrfai, Teifi, Tywi, Glaslyn, Dee, Usk and Wye. These rivers support some of Wales’ most special wildlife like Atlantic salmon, freshwater pearl mussel, white-clawed crayfish and floating water-plantain.

Following the new measures, this evidence review shows that overall, phosphorus breaches are widespread within Welsh SAC rivers with over 60% of waterbodies failing against the challenging targets set.

Ruth Jenkins, Head of Natural Resource Management said:

“Phosphate can cause significant ecological damage to rivers and can lead to the process of eutrophication in rivers, a highly problematic issue.

“Conservation standards were tightened as a means of safeguarding the river environment and countering the impacts of climate change. The new targets set for phosphate levels in our rivers are challenging – but rightly so.

"By sharing this information, we can all better understand how nutrient levels such as phosphate affect our rivers and we can work together with policy makers, businesses, land managers and residents to protect the river and the natural resources it provides for people."

LIFE Dee River Virtual Fish Hatchery

brown trout in the river Dee We're very excited to be working in partnership with Snowdonia National Park Authority to offer an interactive opportunity to learn about brown trout over the next few weeks, by live streaming fish eggs hatching!

Have you ever thought what changes happen as fish eggs develop from tiny eggs into fry, and then into fish? It’s almost impossible to witness these developments as they happen on the riverbed, so this is a fantastic opportunity for you to witness the hatching and development of Brown Trout live on your computer.

You can read more about the hatchery and how we'll be releasing them into the river of you can watch the live feed her e.

Court rules that our General Licences are lawful

The High Court has ruled that our General Licences to control wild birds are lawful following a legal challenge by campaigning body Wild Justice.

All wild birds are protected by law. However, in certain circumstances, where we are satisfied that there is no satisfactory non-lethal solution, lethal control methods can be authorised under licence.

This decision means that the three General Licences which were subject to the legal challenge can continue to be used to control certain wild bird species. They are available for the purpose of preventing serious damage or disease to crops or livestock, protecting public health and conserving certain species of wild birds.

According to Ceri Davies, Executive Director for Evidence, Planning and Policy:

"We are pleased that the High Court has judged these General Licences to be lawful and the judgment confirms the evidence based and proportionate approach taken by NRW.

"We will continue to review, update and assess all our approaches to licensing and want to do this in the most collaborative way possible with all stakeholders."

Updated River Basin Management Plans

River basin management planning protects and improves Wales’ water environment by setting out actions to improve the water quality. We have updated the third cycle plans for 2021 to 2027 and we’re now consulting on them.

This consultation asks everyone to consider the issues impacting on the water environment in the Western Wales and the Dee river basin districts and the actions needed to protect and restore the water environment. The Environment Agency will consult on the Severn river basin management plan.

The consultation, which lasts until 22 June 2021, can be found on the Natural Resources Wales consultation hub.