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.
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. 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).