When the going gets tough the National Parks of Wales get going

The Welsh Government Minister for Environment and Sustainability, John Griffiths AM, joined National Park Authority members from across Wales in October as they visited projects in the Brecon Beacons that link nature with economic and social wellbeing.

The seminar, hosted by the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, entitled “Delivering Biodiversity in an Economically Challenging Time,” examined how National Parks can adapt in changing times and develop sustainably by promoting the economic and social benefits of nature and other natural services, such as clean water, healthy soils and biodiversity. 

National Park Authority Members visited two unique projects located within the Brecon Beacons - the Environment Agency salmon hatchery at Cantref, and a water vole re-introduction scheme at Llangorse Lake. Both projects deliver huge benefits to the environment, and give communities a boost through income from angling and other forms of sustainable recreation.

The Minister said:

“Sustainability and the protection of our extensive and diverse biodiversity are key to improving the wellbeing of the people of Wales, and those of the wider world.  Through the development of our Natural Environment Framework it is our aim to ensure that Wales has increasingly resilient and diverse ecosystems that deliver social, environmental and economic benefits.

“The National Parks continue to act as exemplars for other areas of Wales in conservation and landscape management.  With this in mind I’m really pleased to be here today to experience some of their excellent work first hand.”

Contact: Samantha.Games@breconbeacons.org