Researchers, conservationists and policy-makers alike recognise that, in order to create a coherent and resilient ecological network, we need more, bigger, better and joined-up space for nature.Â
Currently, 20.6% of land in North Wales is designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest, and 69% of Welsh seas are Marine Protected Areas. Â Designations are critical in protecting our most vulnerable wildlife but must be actively managed to achieve favourable conservation status.
Our aim is for at least 30% of land in Wales to be protected, connected and positively managed for nature. Our aim for the recovery of our seas is to seek an ecosystem-based approach to build resilience against increased pressures. Only Marine Protected Areas that are recovering will form part of the 30% target.
We will put nature firmly in recovery by making more space for nature and protecting and connecting habitats at a landscape scale, restoring the abundance of nature, and improving ecosystem health (by, for example, making sure our wetlands are wet and reintroducing missing keystone species).