Yes, we are talking about ecosystems.

So, to embed this, the Act sets out an interconnected delivery framework. I launched the first of these, the state of natural resources report, produced by Natural Resources Wales, last month. It forms a national evidence base, identifying the pressures and opportunities for the sustainable management of our natural resources. I will shortly be consulting on the second of these, a statutory national natural resources policy, which will set out our priorities to address these pressures and opportunities across Government and beyond. Thirdly, NRW will produce area statements identifying local issues and priorities for action.

Our current consultation on local air quality and noise management in Wales is set within this framework. We are proposing new policy guidance to stress the greater public health benefits likely to result from actions to reduce air and noise pollution in an integrated fashion over a wider area. [Interruption.] No I can’t—I’ve already taken two.

This approach will also benefit biodiversity. Furthermore, the environment Act introduces an enhanced biodiversity and resilience of ecosystems duty for public authorities in Wales. This will ensure public authorities put biodiversity into the heart of their decision making in a joined-up and integrated way, delivering multiple benefits for society. For example, our current consultation on nitrate vulnerable zones shows how we are committed to building resilient ecosystems. This means taking a preventative approach, addressing the underlying issues rather than treating the symptoms, and improving the long-term ability of our ecosystems to provide services and adapt to pressures and changes.

For our marine environment, it is important we continue to work in partnership to build resilience. I’m committed to ensuring Wales contributes to an ecologically coherent, well-managed network of marine protected areas, and to delivering the first Welsh national marine plan that integrates policies across the Welsh Government for the marine environment. The plan will include policies specific to biodiversity and tackling invasive non-native species. By delivering our commitments under the marine transition programme, we are ensuring biodiversity is an integral part of decision making in Wales. I do also wish to say a few words about our commitment to biodiversity in the context of Brexit. Yes, of course, there are many challenges and risks, but also many opportunities. I’ve been extremely encouraged by the consensus of views expressed at the roundtable discussions that I’ve held since the vote. Collaboration is key across all sectors to define the Wales we want post Brexit, and the mechanisms to achieve our vision. Building on and learning from current funding mechanisms will be crucial post Brexit, from schemes such as the sustainable management scheme and Glastir, as well as developing new market-based funding opportunities, including payments for ecosystem services.

Joyce Watson specifically asked about post-Brexit funding, and I want to reassure her and all Members that discussions are very much ongoing. Just yesterday, I hosted a meeting between myself and my ministerial counterparts from UK Government—Scotland, and Northern Ireland were represented by the Permanent Secretary. Those conversations are ongoing, not specifically around funding, although, obviously, that’s part of the discussions. Also, Joyce Watson will be aware of the JMC-EU that the First Minister attends, along with other First Ministers where, again, funding is obviously a main topic. We’re very concerned—obviously, we’ve had reassurance from the Treasury that, up to 2020, we’ll receive funding, but after that, at the moment, we don’t know.

The environment Act and the well-being of future generations Act are strong foundations on which to build and take forward our commitment to biodiversity. Following the decision to leave the EU, we will not row back on our existing legislation, nor on our commitment to biodiversity. Our legislation will allow us to promote new, innovative and pioneering long-term approaches to the management of our wildlife. We are committed to reversing the decline in biodiversity and, indeed, to see it thrive. I’m confident the approach I’ve outlined, which sets us apart as a world leader—even though, as Angela Burns said, we are a small country—in how we manage our natural resources will achieve this. Diolch.