Blaenau Gwent Council declares a nature emergency

In response to the serious threat of declining biodiversity within the borough Blaenau Gwent Council has declared a nature emergency. This will help reduce or halt the further loss of biodiversity and protect these areas for the future.

Wales declared a nature emergency in June 2021 and 11 of the 22 Welsh Councils have already followed suit. All Councils in Wales are under a legal duty via the Environment (Wales) Act 2016 to seek to maintain and enhance biodiversity and promote the resilience of ecosystems.

The Local Nature Recovery Action Plan (LNRAP) identifies local priorities for the conversation of species and habits and has now been adopted by the Council to help reverse the existing emergency In addition the 'Pollinator Policy' has been approved which will create pollinator friendly habitats on land owned by the Council to further aid the delivery of nature recovery and to reverse declines in species, including pollinators.

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Place and Environment Councillor Helen Cunningham said:
"It is vital that we act swiftly to help reverse this ecological emergency. Climate change has placed significant pressure on biodiversity and the further loss of biodiversity will increase climate change - the two are inextricably linked. I am assured that Blaenau Gwent CBC has recognised the seriousness of this situation by declaring a nature emergency and will be committed to protecting and enhancing our ecosystem for current and future generations".