Written Statement: Environmental Principles, Governance and Biodiversity targets for a Greener Wales – Summary of Responses and Welsh Government Policy Response

We published our White Paper consultation, “Securing a Sustainable Future Environmental Principles, Governance and Biodiversity targets for a Greener Wales” on 30 January 2024. 

The White Paper contained proposals for: 

• embedding environmental principles into Welsh law;
• establishing a new governance body to oversee the implementation of, and compliance with, environmental law in Wales by Welsh public authorities; 
• introducing a strategic nature recovery framework, which will include biodiversity targets. 

The proposals reflect the ongoing need for sustained and long-term action to deliver the transformative change needed to address the Climate and Nature emergencies. In doing so, the White Paper reflects our commitment towards “a greener Wales to tackle climate change and the nature emergency” as set out in our Programme for Government. It will provide a key contribution towards ensuring we not only maintain but improve environmental quality and standards following our departure from the European Union.

The Consultation closed on 30th April, receiving 1171 responses. We received 161 online, 5 Easy Read and 1005 campaign responses. I am grateful to all those who took the time to respond.

I commissioned an independent research company to analyse the responses and, today, I publish the summary of the findings. Alongside, I also publish our Policy Response to the analysis. The Policy Response includes a summary of the substantive points raised by consultation and our response to these points. 

I would like to thank everyone who took the time to respond to the Consultation as well as those who attended workshops and events during the consultation period. 

This landmark piece of legislation will signal our clear commitment that action and leadership to tackle the climate and nature emergency remain a top priority for this Welsh Government and I look forward to continuing our productive working relationship with stakeholders as we reflect on the consultation outputs and refine our policy proposals going forward. 

This statement is being issued during recess in order to keep members informed. Should members wish me to make a further statement or to answer questions on this when the Senedd returns I would be happy to do so.