NATIONAL parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty need to play a more significant role in how Wales manages its environment, according to Natural Resources Minister Carl Sergeant.
The minister announced an independent review of designated landscapes in Wales in September 2014.
Providing an update, he said that national parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty are integral to Wales’ national identity and are recognised internationally as part of a global family of protected areas.
The minister said: “National parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty are highly valued.
“They are assets that we should celebrate and protect, but also continue to harness to tackle the environmental and economic challenges that we face.
“I want them to be international exemplars of sustainability: living landscapes with vibrant, resilient communities, providing extensive outdoor recreation opportunities, tackling social issues and creating thriving ecosystems which are rich in biodiversity.”
Stage one of the review examined the designations themselves, looking at their purposes and the merits of classifying landscapes under one type of designation.
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