Report from Stakeholder Event 22nd June 2023
Developing Nature Based Solutions in Wales: Report from Stakeholder Event 22 nd June 2023
V. Jenkins
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Developing Nature-Based Solutions in Wales
Introduction Nature-based solutions are actions to protect, sustainably manage, and restore natural and modified ecosystems that address societal challenges effectively and adaptively, simultaneously benefiting people and nature.
Nature-based Solutions | IUCN
This report outlines the findings of a workshop held at Swansea University with representatives from academica, government and third sector organisations. It followed the launch of the author’s publication on Local Authorities and Sustainable Peatland Management . Sustainable peatland management including peatland restoration is a form of ‘nature-based solution’ that can provide many benefits to society in adressing the climate and nature crises and contributing to the development of the well-being of the people of Wales. Having brought together so many knowledgeable individuals it seemed like a good opportunity to explore wider issues with respect to the development of ‘nature-based solutions in Wales’. Nature-based solutions (NBS) is a term that is widely used but often ill defined. During the workshop we used the definition provided by the IUCN above to create a focus for discussions. The issues discussed included the knowledge and experience of participants in developing nature-based solutions in Wales, barriers to this work and future possibilities for action.
Where are we now in developing nature-based solutions in Wales?
In this session participants discussed their experiences and knowledge about ‘nature-based solutions’ in Wales, the problems they are designed to solve and who is involved.
Participants noted that to a large extent NBS is a description of what nature conservation has been doing for many years. It was also noted that NBS focus on custodianship of land and localised solutions to environmental problems. Some examples given included, tree planting, rewetting peatlands, restoring wildflower meadows, rewilding, variation in crop rotation, grassland management such as conservation grazing, access to green spaces, and community engagement with biodiversity. It was also noted that NBS can include, what are more commonly referred to as, green infrastructure developments in an urban environment. This includes, for example, green walls, green roofs, rain gardens and sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDs). The discussions also referred to the kind of problems NBS are designed to address. Some examples were habitat fragmentation, reversing species decline, flood control, erosion control, pollution remediation, water quality, soil health and invasive species.
Developing Nature-Based Solutions in Wales
What are the barriers to developing nature-based solutions in Wales?
In this session participants were encouraged to consider the reasons why work on nature- based solutions might not be developing in the way, or at the pace, that we would hope.
Conceptual barriers to action
The main conceptual issues referred to were the problems of conflicts of interest and the reliance on action by private landowners.
The conflicts of interest that arise in the context of NBS were viewed as most apparent with respect to the desire to address the nature crisis and the need for housing development and agriculture. It was also noted that conflicts of interest can arise between different NBS such as tree planting and peatland restoration and between different species in the context of rewilding. A further consideration in relation to NBS was the conflict between national and local priorities. Private ownership of land is significant because this accounts for much of the land on which NBS will be developed. Where this is the case, it was noted that interventions will depend on a willingness on the part of the landowner to develop the activity or at least support external agencies in doing so. This will require significant negotiation. A lack of skills, experience and incentives to offer in this respect were all also considered to be important barriers.
Problems with Key Drivers of Behaviour
In addition, to more general conceptual barriers to action it was noted that there are several problems with current drivers of behaviour for the development of NBS.
• Information and education – The first step in developing NBS is to develop a better understanding of what NBS are and why they are important. This information and education needs to extend to policy makers, politicians and the wider public. Participants noted that this should convey the complexity of NBS and avoid oversimplification. In particular, it is necessary to understand that ‘proof’ of the success of NBS is difficult and should be approached differently to other policy interventions. This information should also be clearly evidence-based, and this will require further investment in research. It was noted that this evidence base could be supported by a national register of pilot projects with respect to NBS.
Developing Nature-Based Solutions in Wales
• Policy and Strategic Guidance – It was noted that progress in the development of NBS was hindered by a lack of strategic, large scale and long-term planning. The latter is particularly important in recognising the time it takes to develop, implement, and prove solutions. There is also a lack of guidance on what we mean by NBS and practical examples of how these can be developed. It was noted that any future development of policy and guidance on NBS should be more clearly linked to strategies for nature recovery. • Regulation – It was noted that there are a multitude of regulations that affect the development of NBS including protected sites, agriculture law and the regulation of invasive species. Not all of these legal frameworks were considered to clearly support the development of NBS. • Funding – It was noted that funding is essential to incentivise good practice and to develop a large enough skilled workforce to deliver NBS on the ground. It was considered that, at present, this is often restricted by specific criteria and short-term timescales. In particular, there was a concern that the funding available is not supporting the development of the necessary technical expertise to deliver NBS. A clear direction for private investment in NBS was also considered necessary but currently lacking.
What would we like to see in the development of nature-based solutions in Wales in future and how we will get there?
In the final session participants were asked to describe their vision for success in the next 10 years and to consider how we might take steps to achieve this. They were also encouraged to include key dates that might have an impact on this vision. For most participants 2025 and 2030 were viewed as key dates. 2025 because this is when the Sustainable Farming Scheme in Wales will be fully operational. 2030 because this is the target date for the public sector to reach Net Zero in their operations and for Welsh Government to meet its target of ensuring 30% of land in Wales is effectively conserved and manged for biodiversity. The diagram below provides an overview of the visions produced by the separate groups in the workshop. Together this creates a timeline for addressing the barriers outlined above. These are outlined in general terms in this diagram. However, some participants also referred to more specific outcomes. These included: taking significant action to address phosphorous problems by 2025; and, by 2030, restoring rivers and wetlands and controlling invasive species and wildfires.
Developing Nature-Based Solutions in Wales
A Vision for the Development of Nature-Based Solutions in Wales
• Public Sector Net Zero action supports NBS. • 30 by 30 target is met. • There is sufficient workforce capacity to develop NBS. • Future decisoin making is evidence based with appropriate interpretation and evalution of that evidence. • Wider access to research findings.
• Sustainable Farming Scheme supports NBS with 100% take up. • NBS are part of wider 'offsetting' schemes. • Clear policy direction on NBS. • Long term funding supports NBS. • There is a cross party agreement in Senedd on the way forward for nature.
• Rights for nature are established. • Move from the idea of land ownership to land guardianship. • Greater public awareness of NBS and nature is embedded in the national curriculum. • We redefine success in developing nature based solutions.
• Government support for local/community approaches to NBS. • Develop information and education on NBS (including links to climate adaptation) for the policy makers, politicians and the public.
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Developing Nature-Based Solutions in Wales
Conclusions Nature based solutions (NBS) have the potential to make an important contribution to Wales’ response to the nature and climate crises. However, we need a clearer understanding of the kind of interventions that might be described as NBS and the kind of ‘problems’ they have the potential to resolve. Nature is complex and so too is any attempt to resolve issues through NBS. Therefore, more research, including learning from current practice, is necessary to help develop this agenda in the future. It will also be necessary to develop a skilled workforce to deliver NBS on the ground. Above all, we need a strategic, long-term plan for the development of NBS in Wales, that includes identification of funding streams for this work.
About the Author
Victoria is an Associate Professor in the Hillary Rodham Clinton School of Law where she has worked since 1999. Her research interests lie in environmental law, specifically legal approaches to sustainable land management and natural resource management, including the significance of ideas of landscape. She is particularly interested in these issues from a local and Welsh perspective.
Acknowledgements
This report was produced as part of a Policy Fellowship with UKRI funding from the Landscape Decision Making programme.
I would like to thank everyone who took part in the event from which this report is written. However, any errors, omissions or opinions expressed are my own.
Disclaimer
Victoria Jenkins provides information and resources for educational and informational purposes only. Nothing in this paper publication constitutes legal advice or creates a legal relationship between any party. The information provided is not a substitute for legal advice from a licensed solicitor/lawyer in your jurisdiction. Victoria Jenkins does not make any representations or warranties, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the publication or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in the publication for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. In no event will Victoria Jenkins be liable for any loss or damage, including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this publication.
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