Nature and Us involved the people of Wales in a national conversation about the natural environment.
The aim was to develop a shared vision for the year 2050 and consider the changes we need to make leading up to 2030 and 2050, as individuals and as a country.
We asked people in Wales “what future do you want for the natural environment?” This is what they said:
In 2050, when society and nature thrive together,
- People and Government have a shared commitment to protecting the natural environment.
- Clear leadership from the Welsh Government helps the public to be more involved in decisions about nature.
- Sharing knowledge helps people understand how nature impacts their lives, and the actions they can take to help protect and restore the natural environment.
- Widespread access to nature helps people across Wales live happy and healthy lives.
- Greener transport and energy options enable more people to make environmentally friendly choices in their day to day lives
- Sustainable land management helps communities buy local food and feel connected to the Welsh land.
Phase 1
The Phase 1 report summarises the findings from the first phase of the national conversation on what future we want for our natural environment.
Phase 2
The Phase 2 report summarises the findings from the first phase of the national conversation on what future we want for our natural environment.
Citizen's Assembly
Natural Resources Wales convened a citizens’ assembly to review the Nature and Us findings and wider work and agree the shared vision.
Hear what people had to say.
This commitment should include ways to improve the environment with a focus on integrating nature into our everyday lives.
“…government needs to communicate its plan to protect and restore the natural environment. This will explain how we all can help protect endangered animals and plants and restore where they live”.
Strong leadership from all parts of Government was identified as a way of achieving this.
“…all levels of government need to involve people and make decisions based on clear information and evidence rather than party political and other vested interests. This will give the public more power and make sure government takes the best approach to nature”
They said that in the future, knowledge on which actions to take that were good for and not damaging to nature would be shared openly between communities and across all age groups.
“…clear and accessible information will highlight the different ways citizens can act. This will help citizens know what steps they can take to help nature and society thrive.”
But it was recognised that not everyone has the same opportunities to experience nature.
“Welsh society needs more equal access to nature and to make its environment less polluted so that everyone is able to benefit from nature. This will improve the mental and physical health of people in Wales”.
However, it is not always possible for people to make decisions where there is no choice, or where the choices are limited, unaffordable or unattractive.
“We need to invest in public transport, renewable energy technologies and waste management, as well as reducing the impact of inequalities between people and their communities. This will give more equal access to greener lifestyle choices to people across Wales.”
People saw this as an opportunity to develop a better connection between the people and the land in Wales.
“…all levels of government need to help make farming more sustainable and local food affordable. This will help people to buy more local, sustainable food and to restore nature.”
If you would like to be kept informed about future Nature and Us developments then please email natureandus@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk to be added to our mailing list.