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Wildlife Trusts Wales
(WTW) and the Countryside Council
for Wales (CCW) have set out plans to work together to create an
environment rich in wildlife for Wales and its people, through the
signing of an innovative partnership agreement; a Concordat. Derek
Thomas, Chair of Wildlife Trusts Wales - the umbrella body for the
six Wildlife Trusts in Wales - and John Lloyd Jones, Chair of CCW,
have the Concordat. It identifies areas of mutual benefit and sets
out an agreement of joint working and collaboration.
The Concordat will be underpinned by a three year
grant agreement. Some examples of collaboration include:
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Working together to deliver a range of
educational and community projects, volunteering opportunities
and student placements so people understand, care and value
their natural environment.
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A joint approach to managing some Sites of
Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) with the aim of stopping the
loss of biodiversity.
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Seeking to empower The Wildlife Trusts to make
recommendations on planning applications related to local
wildlife sites.
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Sharing resources and information where
possible, whilst working together to maximize income-generating
opportunities for the environmental sector.
Derek Thomas, Wildlife Trusts Wales’ Chair, said:
“The Wildlife Trusts in Wales and the Countryside Council for Wales
have long aspired to the same aims of achieving a healthy and
diverse environment. Although this Concordat is the conclusion of
one long journey, it also represents the start of a new and
productive one. It brings together the six Wildlife Trusts in Wales
and CCW, forging a closer working relationship. One better suited to
achieving our common aims. Putting people at the centre of their
environment is a vital part of our mission and we believe this
Concordat will help enhance the quality of life of the people of
Wales. “It is particularly fitting we sign this agreement in 2010,
the International Year of Biodiversity.”
John Lloyd Jones, CCW’s outgoing chairman said:
“We face huge environmental and economic challenges in these
forthcoming years, and so the ability for our organisations to work
together, share costs and innovate becomes even more vital. This
partnership also supports the Welsh Assembly Government’s ambition
for more public and third sector collaboration. As I retire from my
time as CCW’s Chair, I am delighted that one of my final tasks will
be to sign off a key partnership agreement with the third sector.
This is the first Concordat for CCW and for The Wildlife Trusts
across England and Wales, so I know that this innovative approach
will be closely watched. Indeed, it could provide a blueprint for
public and voluntary bodies in the environmental sector for the
future.”
Link to CCW News page:-
www.ccw.gov.uk/about-ccw/newsroom/press-releases/new-agreement-forged.aspx |
