Aberconwy Assembly Member, Janet Finch-Saunders, has spoken in support of Wales’ National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs).
Ahead of the publication of the report of the Future Landscapes Working Group, chaired by Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas AM, concerns have arisen in relation to the future of the Sandford Principle as a cornerstone of environmental policy in Wales.
The Future Landscapes report is intended to represent a commitment by the Welsh Government to the role of National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Welsh Government tabled a debate on this matter, scheduled for 28th March 2017, but postponed it just hours before.
Janet said:
“Providing a safe, natural habitat for our flora and fauna, enhancing our nations beauty and cultural heritage, and providing unique and precious visitor experiences to people from next door, to the other side of the world – this work deserves real recognition and protection.
“A number of my constituents have voiced concerns that this report may compromise the future of the Sandford Principle, potentially resulting in a detrimental impact on our landscapes – particularly with regards to planning, access and development within our National Parks.
“As north Wales enjoys an increased global profile as a tourism destination, depleted budgets mean tough decisions for our National Parks, which could come at the cost of our environmental and visitor safety.
“Regrettably, since 2011, the National Park Authorities in Wales have seen a reduction of around 19% in their budgets, whilst those in England have enjoyed Ministerial support: budget settlements secured until 2020, with 1.7% annual increases.
“Given the immense value to our biodiversity, ecology, and conservation here in Wales, as well as our tourism industry, health well-being, I would strongly urge the Welsh Government to look at funding and auditing arrangements for our National Parks as a matter of utmost priority.
“The Marsden Review called for the National Landscapes of Wales to be valued by the nation as important “factories of well-being”: to be supported and protected to continue their roles of improving the lives of current and future generations; and for their special qualities to be maintained, enhanced and widely appreciated.
“I will fight within the National Assembly for Wales to ensure these principles are upheld and maintained, and recognise the invaluable work that our National Park Authorities do for us, our environment, and future generations.”
ENDS
Photo:
Janet Finch-Saunders AM at Conwy Falls, photo credit: Blue Bear Photography
Notes [hyperlinks underlined]:
Concerns noted include the alleged intention of the Welsh Government to legislate to create a third statutory purpose for National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in relation to their duty “to seek foster the economic and social well-being of local communities.”
This particular phrasing is different to that recommended by the 2015 Marsden Review for the third purpose to be: “To promote sustainable forms of economic and community development based on the management of natural resources and the cultural heritage of the area.”
Recommendation 7 of that same review called for the Sandford Principle to be applied across all the designated landscapes – to include Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The Sandford Principle seeks to ensure that: “Where irreconcilable conflicts exist between conservation and public enjoyment, then conservation interest should take priority.”
It has been noted by various interested organisations and bodies that there may be some conflict with this in terms of balancing the proposed third purpose.