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This is the fifteenth edition of our newsletter, which will keep you up to date on the latest developments as we implement the first Welsh National Marine Plan (WNMP). We published and adopted the WNMP on 12 November 2019. As we implement the plan with decision makers we want to hear your views so please get in touch with us or share this newsletter with your networks. For those new to the newsletter you can find our old editions here. Contact details are at the bottom of the newsletter.
This week we published the Implementation Guidance (IG) which guides the practical application of the Welsh National Marine Plan. It provides further detail on WNMP policies to help ensure effective and consistent implementation. The document provides information on relevant consenting requirements, governance, other legislation and definitions of terms used within the WNMP as well as specific guidance relevant to each WNMP policy. |
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The IG is a consideration for Public Authorities in taking decisions which may affect the plan area. It sits alongside other non-statutory plan related policy, guidance and evidence to support marine planning for Wales and will be updated periodically. The IG does not introduce new planning policy and should be read alongside the WNMP. This is one of a suite of products the Marine Planning team are producing to support users in applying Wales’ first Marine Plan.
A £60 million marine energy project that will help tackle climate change while reviving Pembrokeshire’s economy in the wake of Covid-19 has been given the green light. The UK Government and Welsh Government have now approved the business case for the Pembroke Dock Marine project, which is expected to generate £73.5 million a year to the Swansea Bay City Region’s economy. The project is expected to generate more than 1,800 jobs in the next 15 years. Read more |
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Throughout lockdown we have continued to engage with our key stakeholder groups through virtual webinars.
The Marine Planning Decision Maker’s Group comprising Relevant Public Authorities (RPA) who have to use the WNMP in their decision making met on 19 February. The group discussed plan implementation, monitoring and RPA duties. A summary of the meeting can be found here.
The Marine Planning Stakeholder Reference Group acts as a ‘critical friend’ throughout the marine planning process and advises us on approaches to marine planning. This group has met twice since lockdown to look at the spatial approach to planning, cross border engagement and implementation. A summary of the meetings on the 29 April and 28 May are on our website via the hyperlinks.
The next meetings of both groups will take place in July.
The Marine Area Statement is here!
NRW have now launched their Area Statements which they have created with local partners to help deliver sustainable management of natural resources at a place-based level and to facilitate the Natural Resources Policy priorities. There are 7 Area Statements covering the territory of Wales with one focused on the Marine. |
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The Marine Area Statement is centred around 3 themes: building resilience of marine ecosystems; supporting the implementation of the WNMP and nature-based solutions and coastal adaptation. It describes what NRW and its partners believe success would look like for the Welsh coastline and seas. It also describes the actions that have been identified to help achieve this vision. NRW would love to hear what you think about the goals and actions set out in the Marine Area Statement, and how you think you could contribute to achieving them. Please get in touch at marine.as@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk
NRW's approach to marine advice
NRW are consulted by licensing authorities and developers for expert advice on likely marine and coastal environmental effects from development proposals. They also advise government and organisations preparing policies and plans. The aim is to provide advice that helps ensure the marine environment and natural resources of Wales are sustainably managed, enhanced and used now and for future generations. The advice is proportionate to the risk of a plan, development or activity. |
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NRW has recently made changes to its structures and procedures to improve the service provided, including in the provision of marine advice. They have produced new webpages that show their recent work / involvement in Marine projects as well as guidance for Marine developers. See the website.
Grant funding strategy updated
NRW have also recently updated their grant funding strategy to facilitate action by others and to build collaboration. Guidance about this strategy is now available on the NRW website and has been designed to enable a longer-term, more flexible and more responsive funding approach.
Contact us
For any queries, relating to this bulletin, or anything else please get in touch with us via the mailbox or visit our webpages.
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