, Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee
Halting and reversing the loss of nature by 2030 - evidence session with public authorities
That's what I thought.
, Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee
Halting and reversing the loss of nature by 2030 - evidence session with public authorities
On the pesticides, sorry. [Laughter.] I've gone off at a tangent because it reminded me, sorry.
, Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee
Halting and reversing the loss of nature by 2030 - evidence session with public authorities
Okay. So, Wildlife Trusts Wales highlights that local authorities have not received any guidance to help achieve the global biodiversity target to reduce pesticide use by 2030. Are local authorities developing their own policies on pesticide use and what are…
, Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee
Halting and reversing the loss of nature by 2030 - evidence session with public authorities
Yes. Just on to pollution.
, Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee
Halting and reversing the loss of nature by 2030 - evidence session with public authorities
Yes.
, Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee
Halting and reversing the loss of nature by 2030 - evidence session with public authorities
Okay. I suppose they all have their own priorities, don't they?
, Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee
Halting and reversing the loss of nature by 2030 - evidence session with public authorities
Okay. And you've talked about the variation between local authorities in terms of implementation of the biodiversity duty. Gwyn, is that something that you feel as well?
, Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee
Halting and reversing the loss of nature by 2030 - evidence session with public authorities
Okay. You all nodded about the three, so I get that. Earlier, we mentioned the section 6 biodiversity duty. What's your experience of it and has the duty had any impact, do you think, in terms of positive outcomes?
, Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee
Halting and reversing the loss of nature by 2030 - evidence session with public authorities
Speak in Welsh.
, Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee
Halting and reversing the loss of nature by 2030 - evidence session with public authorities
That's okay.
, Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee
Halting and reversing the loss of nature by 2030 - evidence session with public authorities
The Campaign for National Parks were talking about using our designated landscapes to improve biodiversity, because it's not shown an improvement in those areas, even though they're designated. Your thoughts on that.
, Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee
Halting and reversing the loss of nature by 2030 - evidence session with public authorities
Their funding is received differently, I believe. Is it through NRW and local authorities, rather than directly from Welsh Government?
, Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee
Halting and reversing the loss of nature by 2030 - evidence session with public authorities
Okay. And, when we talk about landscapes, designated landscapes, that's also AONBs as well as national parks, isn't it?
, Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee
Halting and reversing the loss of nature by 2030 - evidence session with public authorities
Rhys—
, Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee
Halting and reversing the loss of nature by 2030 - evidence session with public authorities
Thank you. You mentioned funding and that it's fossilised and complex, so you talk about how a three-year funding stream would be much better—
, Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee
Halting and reversing the loss of nature by 2030 - evidence session with public authorities
Do you think it would help if a biodiversity officer or somebody within a local authority would help them? It would be acceptable across all service areas then, whether it’s highways, or whatever, education. It would help all of those service areas within a…
, Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee
Halting and reversing the loss of nature by 2030 - evidence session with public authorities
So, the Welsh Government intends to introduce a duty on public authorities to contribute to the delivery of biodiversity targets. Local authorities used to have to have a local biodiversity action plan, didn’t they, before. So, do you agree that the proposal…
, Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee
Halting and reversing the loss of nature by 2030 - evidence session with public authorities
So, the Local Places for Nature funding, which I think was part of the enabling natural resources and well-being funding, has been useful, has it, for that?
, Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee
Halting and reversing the loss of nature by 2030 - evidence session with public authorities
Does the Local Places for Nature funding—? Chair, I just want to say that I was a councillor and biodiversity champion prior to becoming a Member of the Senedd. That’s why I have the knowledge. And I’ve been working on a programme called It’s for Them with…
, Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee
Halting and reversing the loss of nature by 2030 - evidence session with public authorities
Okay. Thank you. Do you have any comments on the proposed new biodiversity recovery framework in the recent White Paper, and the Welsh Government's response following the consultation? And to what extent are the proposals for the Bill suitable for public…
, Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee
Halting and reversing the loss of nature by 2030 - evidence session with public authorities
We'll enquire about that further. Thank you, Chair. Thank you.
, Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee
Halting and reversing the loss of nature by 2030 - evidence session with public authorities
Can I just ask a question on local nature partnerships? Are there any representatives from them on the group, would you know, and wildlife trusts?
, Plenary
Short Debate: A fair chance—Ensuring blind and partially sighted people can live the life they choose
I would like to thank Julie Morgan for tabling this important short debate. I am a frequent rail user and often see Transport for Wales companions wearing a blue tabard helping passengers with disabilities use the rail service. I would like to mention how…
, Plenary
Debate on the Climate Change, Environment and Infrastructure Committee Report, 'Natural Resources Wales—Annual Scrutiny 2023-24'
I would also like to pay tribute to NRW staff and all they’re doing in difficult circumstances. NRW’s most recent corporate plan, ‘Nature and People Thriving Together’, was published in April last year, and aligned with the terms of Government remit letter…
, Plenary
Member Debate under Standing Order 11.21(iv): Women's healthcare
Yes, I will, sorry. I'm just proud to be co-submitting the motion, and I hope others in the Chamber will support it. Thank you.
