Paul Hobson
Tackling the nature crisis
It's not too late
We are experiencing the 6th mass extinction in our planet’s history. We have lost over 60% of all biodiversity on the planet since 1970, that’s within one generation. Today 1 in 7 species in the UK are at threat of extinction and once common wildlife is now becoming rare.
According to the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), one million species may be pushed to extinction in the next few years, with serious consequences for human beings as well as the rest of life on earth. The incredible variety of living species make up our life-support system that provides our food, clean water, air, energy, and much more.
The latest UK research set out in the State of Nature 2019 report, paints a very bleak picture. Many species in Wales are in decline with 666 species threatened with extinction and 73 species have already been lost. But it's not too late.
Wales is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world. It's time to help nature recover.
Atlantic Puffin (Fratercula arctica), Skomer, Pembrokeshire, Wales, United Kingdom. June 2010. - Neil Aldridge
Lizzie Wilberforce
Wood Warbler (Phylloscopus sibilatrix) singing in sesile oak forest Wales - Andy Rouse/2020VISION
Jon Hawkins - Surrey Hills Photography
We need to work together
Halting the loss of nature will require unprecedented effort and coordination from governments, businesses, charities, and civil society. However, Wales is uniquely placed to lead the way in nature's recovery through our world-leading environmental legislation, our sense of place connecting us to the landscape, and our amazing coastline and seas.
To enable this the Wildlife Trusts in Wales, recommend the creation of a Nature Recovery Network. This would put space for nature at the heart of our farming and planning systems and bring nature into the places where people live, so we can all benefit from nature.
To achieve this, wildlife and wild places need not only to be protected but also restored and connected.
10 steps to enable nature's recovery in Wales
1. Prioritise nature's recovery
We need investment in nature's recovery from all government departments and the private sector.
2. Stop the loss of natural habitats
We must not only stop the loss of habitats but also increase the size and reconnect existing habitats to create resilience.
3. Stop extinction of Welsh species
Investment is needed in terrestrial and marine projects in order to stop the extinction of any Welsh species.
4. Habitat creation
We must create and connect priority habitats such as woodland and grasslands.
5. Manage land with nature in mind
We must enable farmers to manage their land for nature through the introduction of a new payment scheme.
6. Reinstate natural processes
We need to reinstate natural processes in our landscape through investment in our ecosystems.
7. Reconnect people with wildlife
It is essential that people feel connected and a part of nature. This not only benefits people, but it also benefits nature and wildlife too. Engagement is needed from an early age to encourage healthy lifestyles.
8. Create habitats in urban areas
We need to invest in our cities to make them greener so people and nature can live side by side. This is through green infrastructure and retro-fitting of existing buildings.
9. Sustainably manage our marine environment
We must invest in sustainable fisheries and manage our Marine Protected Areas in order to protect our seas and the wildlife that live in it.
10. Stop the use of pesticides
Pesticide has a huge impact on insects and the ecosystem. We need to reduce public body use and make reduction a requirement of the new farm payments scheme.
The Stand for Nature Wales team whilst on a team visit to Cors Dyfi Nature Reserve. Photo by Silvia Cojocaru
Take a stand for nature!
If you're 9-24 years old, you could join us and make a difference to nature and the climate in Wales.
Tom Marshall