Wales’ national parks and other cherished landscapes are to receive a £4m funding boost from the Welsh Government, Deputy Minister for Housing and Local Government, Hannah Blythyn announced today.
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
The Deputy Minister made the announcement at the annual Designated Landscapes seminar held in Snowdonia National Park.
This additional investment for 2019/20, which is on top of the more than £3m of Welsh Government funding that was also provided to our National Parks and AONBs in March 2019, will enable key improvements – with many of the proposals supporting Welsh Government priorities, including decarbonisation and greening measures, improved tourism infrastructure, enhanced biodiversity and further support for access and recreation.
In April the Welsh Government declared a climate emergency. Together with combatting the steep decline in biodiversity, these are likely to be Wales’ most pressing priorities for years to come.
The Welsh Government is committed to concerted joint working and effective collaboration around the response to climate change.
The Designated Landscapes have made a significant commitment to supporting this concerted effort as they seek to balance increasing tourism pressures with significant environmental challenges.
They also have a critical role in promoting sustainable tourism, which this funding will also support through improvements to tourist attractions and footpaths.
Deputy Minister for Housing and Local Government Hannah Blythyn said:
Our National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty are very special to the people of Wales and attract millions visitors each year.
The stunning landscapes play a vital role in delivering rich ecosystems and vibrant and resilient communities, providing a wide range of recreational opportunities.
Our countryside is hugely important to the people of Wales and everyone must continue to have the opportunity to enjoy it. This is not simply about tourism and the economy – our landscapes can also bring broader health and well-being benefits.
This announcement is proof of the Welsh Government’s continued commitment to ensuring our designated landscapes and their communities prosper and flourish.”
The Welsh Government continues to collaborate with the National Park Authorities and AONBs to recognise the challenges they face – and welcomes the key projects and priorities they have identified to progress this vital area of work.
Additional Capital funding 2019-20 by Designated Landscape includes:
Snowdonia National Park Authority: £1,858,540
Brecon Beacons National Park Authority: £611,000
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority: £850,006
Wye Valley AONB (Monmouthshire County Council): £60,000
Llŷn Peninsula AONB (Gwynedd Council): £59,000
Ynys Môn AONB (Anglesey County Council): £347,000
Gower AONB (Swansea City Council): £74,172
Clwydian Range & Dee Valley AONB (Denbighshire CC: £88,000
Total: £3,947,718