Janet Finch-Saunders AM has called on the Welsh Government and Assembly Member to set forth a long term strategic vision and commitment to the three National Parks in Wales, including Snowdonia National Park.
The Member’s calls come ahead of the forthcoming report into Future Landscapes Wales, due to be published early next month by Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas AM, Chair of the independent Future Landscape Working Group.
Janet said: “Our national parks are a key part of our Welsh identity, and account for £557m, or 1.2% of GVA. It is vitally important that we support them.
“Snowdonia National Park includes 107 Sites of Special Scientific Interest - over 62,400 hectares - as well as 21 National Nature Reserves, and is know the world over as a go-to destination for outdoor pursuits, extreme sports and adventure actitivites.
“Despite funding cuts of the years, the Park continues to provide a unique visitor experience and a safe natural habitat for much of our rare flora and fauna, and this is something we should celebrate and support as much as possible.
“I look forward to the forthcoming report of the Future Landscapes Working Group, and call on the Welsh Government to commit further support and funding to our National Parks in recognition of their immense value to Wales.”
Full statement text:
I am blessed to represent a constituency that is home to Snowdonia National Park, providing a unique visitor experience; a safe natural habitat for much of our nation’s rare flora and fauna; all whilst protecting and enhancing our natural beauty and cultural heritage, and its own LDP.
A fifth of the Park is statutorily protected for its wildlife and geological interest that includes 107 Sites of Special Scientific Interest, totalling over 62,400 hectares, 21 National Nature Reserves boasting some of the most important natural and semi-natural terrestrial and coastal ecosystems in Great Britain.
The Park attracts thousands of visitors to enjoy its amazing landscape and the variety of activities – more than 360,000 walkers climb the summit of Snowdon every year, and the Park is one of the top destinations in the world for outdoor activities and adventure sports!
Overall, our National Parks account for £557m of GVA. However, I am acutely aware of just how much the managing bodies have to deal with increasingly complex and varied issues, at a time of diminishing resources.
In welcoming the fact that the Welsh Government has embarked on a process of reviewing designated landscape areas in Wales, we welcome the forthcoming report.
I firmly believe that now is the time for the Welsh Government and we as Assembly Members to secure a long term strategic vision and level of commitment for such a valuable asset.
Our recognition and firm support for our three national parks in Wales is vital to our economy, our culture and indeed our own identity as a Welsh Nation.
Landscape photograph credit: Mr Gary Willetts, Deganwy