Wales needs power to protect our biodiversity – Mick Bates AM (Ynys Môn Liberal Democrats)

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Wales needs power to protect our biodiversity – Mick Bates AM

October 14, 2008 12:00 AM
Originally published by Welsh Liberal Democrats

As the RSPB highlights the continuing decline in biodiversity in Wales, Mick Bates urges the Assembly Government to call on Westminster for power over biodiversity, which would allow Wales to take real action to protect biodiversity and enhance our environment for the future.

Commenting in the chamber, Welsh Liberal Democrat spokesperson for the Environment and Rural Affairs, Mick Bates AM:

"Our natural environment plays a key role in improving the quality of life of people across Wales and we must raise awareness of the importance of conservation and sustainable use of our natural resources, so that we can have a better understanding of our biodiversity and the need to care for our environment.

"Sadly despite Assembly Government aims to halt the loss of biodiversity by 2010, biodiversity in Wales continues to decline. As the RSPB has reported, 21 of the 38 priority habitats relevant to Wales are in decline and 30 Welsh priority species are declining or lost altogether.

"As part of the Environmental Protection and Waste Management Committee, one of our recommendations was that the Assembly Government brings forward a Legislative Competence Order covering biodiversity at the earliest opportunity. However, not only has the Environmental Protection and Waste Management LCO disappeared into oblivion, but no legislation on biodiversity appears to be on the horizon.

"I urge the Assembly Government to call for the transfer of power over biodiversity from Westminster, which would be a much better option to protect biodiversity in Wales, rather than the current voluntary targets that are clearly not working."

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