5. Statement by the Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport, and Chief Whip: World Heritage in Northwest Wales

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:34 pm on 4 October 2022.

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Photo of Sam Rowlands Sam Rowlands Conservative 4:34, 4 October 2022

I thank you, Deputy Minister, for bringing forward today's statement on world heritage in north-west Wales—of course, one half of a fantastic region in north Wales. As you outlined, it is really encouraging to see the slate landscape of north-west Wales being inscribed on the UNESCO world heritage site list. And I'd also like to put on record my thanks to all the organisations, individuals and communities who have helped to make this happen. And, as already outlined, this newly found status is an excellent way to recognise the importance of our slate industry, and I was really glad to hear you talk about the important role that heritage plays in our tourism economy, bringing a number of benefits, attracting more visitors, boosting investment, creating jobs and, really importantly, telling an important part of our story as north Walians. It's this story that I want to focus on just for a moment, because that story is important for visitors but it's also really important for our local residents and our local communities to understand why the landscape looks the way that it does. And I reflect on my upbringing, living in Penygroes as a child up until nine years old, with the Nantlle Valley right on my doorstep, and perhaps not understanding or appreciating what all that meant. So, I wonder, Deputy Minister, how you will work with the Minister for education to ensure that our children in our local communities, where this world heritage status now is, also understand the importance of their heritage. And yes, for visitors to understand it well, but also, our local communities, and particularly our children in those communities.