Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru | National Assembly for Wales

Y Pwyllgor Newid Hinsawdd, Amgylchedd a Materion Gwledig | Climate Change, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee

Ymchwiliad Bioamrywiaeth | Biodiversity Inquiry

BIO 01

Ymateb gan : Cyngor Bwrdeisdref Sirol Blaenau Gwent

Evidence from : Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council

In response to your consultation on the consideration of biodiversity in the public goods scheme, I have outlined some thoughts below addressing the first two terms of reference for this inquiry.

I think it’s important to explore what the priorities of the Natural Resources Policy mean in practise, especially ‘delivering nature-based solutions’.

To me this means taking every opportunity to enhance ecosystems for the benefit of biodiversity when considering the built environment, flood management, forestry, agriculture and other land uses.

I also think some work needs to be done on increasing ecosystem and biodiversity understanding amongst land owners and managers; reducing and preventing negative activities and increasing positive activities. Best practise should be supported and shared. There are teams looking into delivering best practise materials; the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority and the NRAP ecosystem resilience and restoration group.

Every effort should be taken through the public goods scheme to conserve and restore soil quality, clean water, clean air and pollinator populations. This can only be achieved by a biodiverse environment with healthy (functioning and resilient) ecosystems.

I would suggest the use of ecosystem service assessments in any payment mechanisms – a review is presented in the Biodiversity and the area-based approach in Wales report led by RSPB and Cardiff University.