Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:39 pm on 30 June 2021.
Mark Isherwood reminded us of the international framing, of course, of our debate. It's been so wonderful as well to hear Mark, Siân, Jenny, Julie and other Members talk about their own species for which they're champion. To the young—well, to the new Members, I should say, in the Senedd, who might be envious about how many species champions we've been talking about, I'm sure that Wales Environment Link will be in touch before September. There is a programme, and it would be wonderful if as many as possible of you could be involved in that.
Mike Hedges spoke of this possible dystopian future, where children might not recognise the animals in some of our most beloved books, and Luke Fletcher was talking about how, investing in nature, we can boost the economy, boost eco tourism and prevent flooding. He said our economy depends on nature and exists within it. Hear, hear.
Now, Jenny Rathbone brought a really important perspective, I think, to this debate: the impact of urbanisation on wildlife, specifically swifts that Jenny was talking about. I love this phrase that Jenny used, 'We have to tread more lightly on this earth.' What a wonderful phrase that is, and then the complementary contrasting perspective brought by James Evans about the Brecon Beacons. Now, James, I hope that some of the concerns you expressed about the rural economy can be assuaged somewhat by the points that Luke had been making earlier, but I do recognise this is an important consideration. I welcome the fact that you were saying you'd like to work cross party on this.