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.
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