Wales has taken another huge step forward in tackling the
nature and climate emergencies after the Senedd passed landmark
environmental legislation.
The Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets)
(Wales) Bill establishes a new framework for
environmental protection, creating an independent watchdog and
empowering Welsh Ministers to set legally binding biodiversity
targets.
Deputy First Minister with responsibility for Climate
Change, Huw Irranca-Davies said: "This is a
landmark moment for nature in Wales. By passing this
Bill, we have sent a clear message that protecting our
natural environment is a national priority.
“As this winter has shown, climate change is driving more
extreme weather events – putting pressure on our environment and
biodiversity.
"With one in five species at risk of extinction and
communities across Wales already feeling the effects of more
frequent floods, heatwaves and wildfires, this legislation
gives us the tools we need to act decisively."
The new legislation will create the Office of Environmental
Governance Wales, an independent body responsible for holding
public authorities to account on environmental law.
This includes scrutinising the Welsh Government, Natural
Resources Wales and local authorities.
The legislation also enables and
requires Ministers to set ambitious, legally binding targets
to halt and reverse biodiversity decline by increasing native
species, strengthening
ecosystem resilience and addressing the drivers of
biodiversity loss.
