Natural Resources Wales replaces Countryside Council for Wales
Natural Resources Wales (Welsh: Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru) is a Welsh Government sponsored body, which became operational from 1 April 2013, when it took over the management of the natural resources of Wales. It was formed from a merger of the Countryside Council for Wales, Environment Agency Wales, and the Forestry Commission Wales, and also assumed some other roles formerly performed by the Welsh Government.Roles and responsibilities
Purpose
NRW's purpose is to "pursue sustainable management of natural resources” and “apply the principles of sustainable management of natural resources” as stated in the Environment (Wales) Act 2016.Remit
NRW receives a Remit Letter at the start of each financial year setting out what the Welsh Government wants it to achieve during that year.
Its main responsibilities are:
Adviser: principal adviser to Welsh Government, and adviser to industry and the wider public and voluntary sector, and communicator about issues relating to the environment and its natural resources.
Regulator of the marine, forest and waste industries, and prosecuting those who breach the regulations that NRW is responsible for.
Designator for Sites of Special Scientific Interest – areas of value for their wildlife or geology, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs), and National Parks, as well as declaring National Nature Reserves, and describing Marine Character Areas.
Responder to about 9,000 reported environmental incidents a year as a Category 1 emergency responder.
Statutory consultee to about 7,000 development planning applications a year.
Manager/Operator: managing seven per cent of Wales’ land area including woodlands, National Nature Reserves, water and flood defences, and operating five visitor centres, recreation facilities, hatcheries and a laboratory.
Partner, Educator and Enabler: collaborator with the public, private and voluntary sectors, providing grant aid, and helping a wide range of people use the environment as a learning resource; acting as a catalyst for others’ work.
Evidence gatherer: monitoring the environment, commissioning and undertaking research, developing knowledge, and being a public records body.
Employer of almost 1,900 staff, as well as supporting other employment through contract work, and work experience.