Ahead of a debate on her Legislative Proposal regarding marine planning, the Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy, Janet Finch-Saunders, has visited the Lake Vyrnwy RSPB reserve.
During her visit Janet was shown the ongoing work of the RSPB to protect and promote biodiversity at Lake Vyrnwy. In addition to this the Member was shown the Peat Bog restoration work being undertaken above Lake Vyrnwy, highlighting the role the RSPB are playing in confronting the Climate and Nature crisis in Wales.
Commenting on her visit, Janet said:
“I was thrilled to meet with Mr Arfon Williams, RSPB Head of Land and Sea Policy, along with RSPB warden's Helen and John at the Lake Vyrnwy reserve. The RSPB are an absolutely fantastic organisation that have continued to protect our beautiful Welsh environment and biodiversity for generations. It was also outstanding to see their work include the restoration of Peat Bogs that plays such an important role in tackling Climate Change and meeting Net Zero targets.
“While it is clear that legislation is in place to protect biodiversity and restore natural sources of carbon sequestration on land across Wales, unfortunately, the same cannot be said for our marine environment.
“I share the RSPB’s concerns that the lack of a spatial development plan is become more evidence with each new marine development application. Without a clear plan we are risking increased biodiversity loss and exacerbating the nature crisis.
“This is why I am bringing forward a Legislative proposal that will make provisions for policies that would help guide the siting of developments away from the most ecologically sensitive areas, minimise the cumulative impacts on vulnerable habitats and species , whilst also creating a duty for the Welsh Government to bring forward a national marine development plan to be reviewed at least once in every Senedd term.”
“The Welsh Government must act now to implement a framework that allows for renewable energy development whilst also protecting our marine environment.”
ENDS
Photo: Janet Finch-Saunders MS and RSPB Warden’s Helen & John at Heft (Allt Forgan) above Lake Vyrnwy
