The Welsh Assembly Government published the Marine Conservation Zone selection criteria on 22 March 2011 following consultation on the draft guidance during October-November 2010.   Download a copy from the WAG website here.  WAG’s  analysis and response to the comments received during this period can also be downloaded from the same page.

WAG launched the marine spatial planning consultation  Sustainable development for Welsh seas: Our approach to marine planning in Wales on 16 February 2011.  The consultation focuses on how Wales should approach marine planning and what WAG needs to consider when drawing up marine plans.  Download the consultation document here and take the opportunity to respond.

A living Wales – a new framework for our environment, our countryside and our seas.

The Welsh Assembly Government acknowledges that demands on the environment are increasing because of climate change, human activity and other factors.  Until now they and most others have usually looked at parts of the environment separately.  This means we have underestimated the importance of the environment in our lives.

WAG’s new Natural Environment Framework (NEF) focuses on managing our environment as a whole rather than focusing on separate parts.  The public consultation on the framework – available here – closes at the end of December.

It offers great opportunities, but, as it stands there are several areas of concern.  Please do download and read the consultation document and respond.