INFLUENCING POLICY
Our future commitments to biodiversity
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For the future protection of our biodiversity, we will continue to work with a wide range of agencies and bodies in both the public and private sector to maintain the progression of the UKBAP as a credible scientific, political and educational process, as well as delivery of practical projects on the ground.
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We will continue to participate in the development and implementation of local biodiversity action through LBAP partnerships and lobby for biodiversity actions and targets to be integrated into local authority plans and procedures.
Biodiversity Information
The conservation of Wales’ biodiversity is dependant on reliable, high-quality wildlife information. Information on species, habitats and the most important areas for wildlife are vital in order to measure change and plan actions to protect them. The establishment of a co-ordinated network of Local Records Centres across the UK is one of the key aims of the National Biodiversity Network (NBN). In Powys, we are a partner of the Powys Biodiversity Information Service (BIS).
Action
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Work in partnership with BIS.
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Promote wildlife recording and data management standards.
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Participate in national recording schemes.
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Encourage Local Recorders to pass on their biological records to BIS and submit Wildlife Trust data sets, annually.
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Encourage volunteers to become involved in recording wildlife.
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Set up a local Recorder's Forum.
Standing up for Wildlife and the environment
Building development and infrastructure proposals represent a threat to species and wildlife habitats across Wales. Demands for better roads, wind farms, housing and employment land vary only in degree in different areas. Development proposals can also bring habitat management or creation opportunities for wildlife.
Action
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We will participate in ensuring that both national and local planning policy takes full account of biodiversity interest, which include Rural Development Regulations (RDR) and Regional Development Policies (RDP).
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As local defenders of wildlife, we will ensure planning applications affecting wildlife are countered.
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Lobby for Wildlife Sites to afforded protection in the planning system and review our Wildlife Sites inventory and guidelines.
Agriculture
Across Wales, intensive agriculture, driven by subsidies, has been the most significant cause of habitat loss and species decline. Yet, because more than three-quarters of the Welsh landscape is farmed, our farmed landscape still supports the majority of our terrestrial wildlife.
Action
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We will influence agricultural policy to benefit wildlife, which will provide the conditions for wildlife-friendly farming, by influencing National Assembly for Wales policy, UK policy and wider Common Agricultural Policy reform.
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Influence individual farmers to manage their land to benefit wildlife.
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Champion 'large area' conservation projects to rebuild biodiversity on a landscape scale.
