Managing Wales’ Natural Resources Andy Fraser Head of Natural Resource Management Department for Natural Resources

Case for change Evidence shows that the capacity of our natural resources to continue to provide the services on which we depend is diminishing Interventions and actions needed to enable Wales to grow sustainably, increase resilience and manage natural resources efficiently

Our commitments Fresh legal framework to manage Wales’ natural resources in a joined-up and sustainable way and support achievement of Well-being Goals Strong links to the WFG Act and Planning Bill processes, principles and aims Bringing together or replacing existing processes and providing better evidence and greater certainty

Environment (Wales) Bill Places seven well-being goals into law, and requires public bodies to apply the sustainable development principle in ways that follow five key ways of working. Put in place a modern statutory process to help plan and manage our natural resources in a more sustainable and joined up way Have an efficient process to ensure the right development is located in the right place Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act Environment (Wales) Bill Planning (Wales) Bill

Environment (Wales) Bill A modern approach to managing our natural resources in a proactive and joined-up way in a way that: is compatible with and supports the principles of SD for natural resource planning and management (and specifically the requirements of the WFG Act) Enshrines the 12 principles of the UN CBD Establish the legislative framework necessary to tackle climate change By going “beyond protection”, help to secure Wales’ long-term well-being, so that it benefits from a prosperous economy, a healthy and resilient environment and vibrant, cohesive communities

Addresses fundamental weaknesses in the current statutory framework Modern legislation for managing Wales’ natural resources that is equally focused on opportunities and challenges Key measures to tackle climate change Powers to enhance the current carrier bag charging scheme Improving Wales’ waste management processes Removes unnecessary complexity, simplifies processes and plans and improves the regulatory framework

Creation of NRW in 2013 major step forward Addresses fundamental weaknesses in the current statutory framework Current environmental legislation framework is reactive, issue-specific and can be inefficient. Creates a barrier to effective planning and limits ability to manage Wales’ natural resources in a sustainable way. Creation of NRW in 2013 major step forward But NRW remains bound by weaknesses in the existing legislative framework. Bill has been designed to address these weaknesses by enabling integrated delivery, simplification and efficiency.

Modern legislation for managing Wales’ natural resources that is equally focused on opportunities and challenges Introduces a statutory framework for the Sustainable Management of Natural Resources Key aim of Part 1 of the Bill: “to manage our natural resources in a way and at a rate that can maintain and enhance the resilience of our ecosystems whilst meeting the needs or present generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.” Includes definitions of “natural resources” and “sustainable management of natural resources”

Definitions Natural Resources: Includes (but is not limited to) – Animals, plants and other organisms; Air, water and soil; Minerals; Geological features and processes; physiographical features; Climatic features and processes Sustainable Management of Natural Resources: Using natural resources in a way and at a rate that…maintains and enhances the resilience of ecosystems and the benefits they provide and, in doing so, meet the needs of present generations of people without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

Sustainable management of natural resources State of Natural Resources Report (SoNaRR) Area Statements National Natural Resource Policy (NNRP) The priorities identified in the National Policy will be delivered at a local level through Area Statements produced by NRW. The State of Natural Resources Report (SoNaRR), produced by NRW, will report on the status of Wales’ natural resources and track the progress being made towards achieving the sustainable management of natural resources. It will also serve as an essential evidence base to underpin the NNRP. The National Natural Resource Policy will set out the priorities for the sustainable management of natural resources at a national level. It will outline how the sustainable management of Wales’ natural resources will provide benefits to society and the economy as well as the environment, supporting the goals outlined in the Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act.

State of Natural Resources Report (SoNaRR) Environment (Wales) Bill State of Natural Resources Report (SoNaRR) NRW to lead on reporting on the status of Wales’ natural resources To be published in line with Assembly elections NRW can ask public bodies to provide information to help it compile the report To be effective, this evidence base must inform other key documents, such as NNRP and Area Statements A snapshot of natural resources and their resilience. SoNaRR will be a statutory document, prepared by NRW First element of the statutory cycle, to be published once every 5 years, after the Assembly elections Must be published 6 months at latest after election SoNaRR will set out how our natural resources are contributing to environmental, economic and social well-being The report may recommend to Welsh Ministers, and the FG Commissioner, what changes are needed to ensure natural resources can continue to sustain and contribute to long-term benefits for Wales Initial report planned for late 2014 Data and information to inform the Future Trends Report Content of SoNaRR will communicate the contribution the sustainable management of natural resources will make to delivering the Well-being goals. 11 11

National Natural Resources Policy (NNRP) Environment (Wales) Bill National Natural Resources Policy (NNRP) Drawing on SoNaRR, Welsh Ministers will set a clear policy for the sustainable management of natural resources To include opportunities, challenges and priorities to optimise national social, economic and environmental benefits NNRP to be reviewed every Government term Sets out consideration of climate change mitigation and adaptation Draft report planned for spring 2015 Will set the priorities for the sustainable management of natural resources at the national level which can be delivered through the area-based approach and statements. Must be published at latest 3 months after SoNaRR Not just challenges, but positive opportunities reviewed every 5 years, in line with Assembly election cycle, and following publication of SoNaRR Welsh Ministers may consult Set out contribution to sustainable management of natural resources Well-being goals and Welsh Ministers Well-being objectives will inform development of the NNRP and will link across to National Development Framework May also be informed by other evidence, such as the Future Trends Report 12 12

Area Statements Environment (Wales) Bill NRW must publish Area Statements to implement the priorities of NNRP at a local level Specify the priorities and opportunities for the sustainable management of natural resources within an area, and specify how NRW proposes to address them Includes direction making, information sharing and mutual assistance provisions Evidence gathered will feed back into SoNaRR and to inform the next iteration of the NNRP When NRW have prepared an area based statement it must be sent to Welsh Ministers for approval Welsh Ministers may also guidance on the scope of content of statements Certain public bodies must share information in the preparation of the statements All Wales coverage Contribute to and inform delivery of the Well-being objectives and Well-being plans. This will enable the management of natural resources to feed into the preparation of Local Development Plans. 13

Environment Bill: other Part 1 provisions Environment (Wales) Bill Environment Bill: other Part 1 provisions Biodiversity and resilience of ecosystems duty Refocuses s40 of NERC Act 2006 for public authorities who carry out functions in Wales, so the requirements are in line with principles of SMNR Sharpens requirement on public authorities: s40: “have regard” Env Bill: “must seek to maintain and enhance” And in doing so promote ecosystem resilience Retains s42 (biodiversity lists) requirements Public authorities must publish a compliance report (before end of 2019 and every third year thereafter) Iterative cycle natural resources management - products interrelates 14 14 14

Statutory climate change target for 2050: Key measures to tackle climate change Statutory climate change target for 2050: At least an 80% reduction in emissions against 1990 levels Framework for setting: Interim targets Carbon Budgets Accelerate progress in tackling causes and consequences of climate change, contributing to achievement of Well-being Goals. Will also help to inform priorities in the National Development Framework, Strategic Development and Local Development Plans.

Environment (Wales) Bill www.wales.gov.uk/naturalresourcemanagement