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Local Authorities and Sustainable Peatland Management: Current Opportunities and Future Possibilities for Local Approaches
Key Recommendations Recommendation 1 Local authorities can play a significant role in SPM, and this should be recognised by all actors with an interest in nature-based solutions in Wales. SPM is relevant to the statutory functions of local authorities as well as their discretionary and externally funded activities. Recommendation 2 Welsh Government should support local authorities in developing local knowledge and expertise on SPM, recognising the important links between this and the development of resilient ecological networks (including carbon networks). Recommendation 3 Welsh Government should consider providing guidance to local authorities on the contribution they may make to SPM. This may form part of wider guidance on their role in the development of nature-based solutions and resilient ecological networks. Recommendation 4 Local authorities can integrate concerns for SPM in a wide range of policy areas and do not need to rely exclusively on their role in land use planning to support SPM. This includes policies and strategies for flood prevention, decarbonisation, access to green spaces/countryside and culture/heritage. The cross-cutting agenda for developing nature-based solutions and resilient ecological networks can also be supported in the well-being objectives that underline a local authority’s corporate strategy. Recommendation 5 Local authorities can take action on SPM themselves, but also have an important role to play in influencing other actors and working in partnership with them. There are some existing relevant mechanisms such as Local Nature Partnerships, Public Service Boards and Area Statements. There is, however, room to improve the way these systems operate to support SPM. Recommendation 6 Whilst funding is restricted temporally and by the particular agenda of different funders, local authorities can create longer term strategies and develop evidence to be able to respond to these opportunities either individually or in partnership with other organisations. In order to capitalise on current and future funding opportunities it is important to recognise the multiple benefits of SPM. Recommendation 7 Legal frameworks and national policy in Wales are generally developed on a sectoral basis that does not always support SPM. This has been explored in depth in previous work by the author. This is also evident in the approach to the public sector net zero target. There is a need to ensure that these frameworks provide a more effective underpinning for local action on SPM. Recommendation 8 In future, local authorities may be able to assist in developing opportunities for private funding for peatland management and restoration. Further research needs to be carried out to consider any barriers presented to this by the current structure of powers of local authorities in Wales.
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