10. Will the Minister make a statement outlining what strategy the Welsh Government will follow to increase biodiversity in Wales? OAQ(5)0011(ERA)

Thank you. The nature recovery plan for Wales sets out our objectives and actions to achieve our ambition to reverse the decline in biodiversity by 2020. This will contribute to the nation’s well-being and the sustainable management of our natural resources.

Cabinet Secretary, you’ll be aware that the Wildlife Trusts recently launched a species champions strategy. I and other Assembly Members are championing species in Wales. The water vole—[Interruption.]—is my particular species, but many others will be helping with the efforts. But would you agree with me, Cabinet Secretary, that we do need to protect our biodiversity and these species, including the water vole, on the Gwent levels, and one aspect of that is engagement with local people and local children? Schools are very much captivated by the water voles and it does lead to a greater appreciation of biodiversity and nature. So, I think there are many aspects of Welsh Government strategy that can be furthered through this scheme.

I was very pleased to see that last week. They offered me the hedgehog, but I decided that I would be champion for all of Wales’s biodiversity. [Interruption.] I thought perhaps it was a bit prickly. [Laughter.] But I absolutely do support the role of species champions. I think it’s a really good initiative, because it will highlight the importance of species, their habitat needs, and the absolutely essential part they play in healthy, functioning ecosystems.

I think this is part and parcel of a broader approach that we need to have in relation to the sustainable management of our resources, and you’re absolutely right about schools and young children and teenage children. I think you only have to look at the way that recycling—. I think that went into schools very early on, and now for those children, as they’ve grown up, it’s just part of their everyday lives. So, if we can start them young, I think that’s a very good idea, and the Minister for education is in the Chamber and is hearing this, so I’m sure she will take that on board, too.

As the species champion for the red squirrel in Wales, I’m delighted that one of the largest populations of red squirrels is in the Clocaenog forest in my constituency. You will be aware that that forestry is managed by a taxpayer-funded organisation, Natural Resources Wales. What work are you doing to ensure that, where there is publicly owned land, it does promote biodiversity and, in particular, the red squirrel population?

Member of the Senedd:

[Inaudible.]

I was just going to say that, in my day, that was called Tufty. I think you raise a very important point, and, certainly, I will be meeting very regularly with Natural Resources Wales on forestry. It’s hugely important to our country, so I’m very happy to take that forward.