Ahead of an Assembly debate on the Future Landscapes report, Aberconwy AM Janet Finch-Saunders has called for increased recognition of conservation concerns.

Janet said:

“I welcome this report in highlighting the importance of our National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. However, a far greater emphasis on conservation matters must be brought forward by the Welsh Labour Government.

“Shockingly, the State of Natural Resources Report (SoNaRR) found that no Welsh ecosystem contains all the necessary attributes of resilience, yet this is given far too little attention in the report.

“Whilst public enjoyment and economic development are key factors in ensuring the future of our designated landscapes, the Sandford Principle must be retained and prioritised above all else.”

ENDS

Notes:

The National Assembly for Wales is due to debate the Future Landscape: Delivery for Wales report on Tuesday 6th June 2017: http://www.senedd.assembly.wales/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=401&MId=4294&Ver=4

The Sandford Principle states that “Where irreconcilable conflicts exist between conservation and public enjoyment, then conservation interest should take priority.”

Save Our Rivers are running a campaign against the removal of the Sandford Principle: http://saveourrivers.org/2017/05/25/national-parks-matter/