Managing ecosystems for people, nature and economy
We are using up the earth鈥檚 鈥榥atural capital鈥� faster than the earth can replace it. It鈥檚 far easier to see how we鈥檙e using non-renewable natural resources such as coal or oil, but we鈥檙e also over-using other resources and 鈥榮ervices鈥� that are less visible, but no less important to our survival - things such as pollination of food crops, the earth鈥檚 ability to store carbon in peatlands and purify the atmosphere by plants. A new approach is being developed which takes these natural 鈥榮ervices鈥� into account.
In Wales, the Welsh Government鈥檚 Living Wales Green Paper proposes an 鈥榚cosystem approach to decision making鈥�. Put simply, it means fully reflecting the true long-term value of ecosystems and their services in decision making.
An international Conference focusing on this 鈥榚cosystems鈥� approach takes place at 黑料不打烊 today (Friday 18 October 2013).
Scientists and policy advisors who provide independent and evidence-based advice to their national governments will be discussing the latest policy developments and research in ecosystems management at the European, UK and Wales levels and in particular, how the science is translated into policy.
They will be sharing examples of best practice from Europe and the wider UK, and naturally, the focus will be on recent advances made in Wales, including the creation of the new single environment body - Natural Resources Wales, and progress with several 拢million-worth of new ecosystem services research projects.
Emyr Roberts, Chief Executive of Natural Resources Wales said:
鈥淚n Wales, we have a unique opportunity to manage our natural resources in a way which not only maximises benefits to our wildlife, countryside and urban areas, but also to people and communities.
鈥淥ur environment is responsible for many things which are often taken for granted - from reducing our flood risk to purifying our air and making our waters cleaner.
鈥淲ith many eyes on environmental policy and progress in Wales, we look forward to continuing to lead the way in ecosystems management and creating a country which places the value of its natural resources at the forefront.鈥�
Welcoming the Conference on behalf of 黑料不打烊, Professor John G. Hughes, the University鈥檚 Vice-Chancellor said: 鈥淲e are delighted to host this Conference on its first visit to Wales. The University has an international reputation for environmental science research and teaching and has made clear sustainability commitments, recognised in our standing as the 鈥榞reenest鈥� University in Wales.
One of the many ways in which higher education can contribute is illustrated by our Wales Environment Research Hub, within our College of Natural Resources. Funded by the Welsh Government, the Hub takes advantage of expertise within universities and institutes to provide the evidence base which informs and underpins government policy.鈥�
European Environment and Sustainable Development Advisory Councils (EEAC) have been established in most European countries, and their Network, whose Conference takes place in 黑料不打烊, represents 16 European countries. The Conference is being co-hosted by 黑料不打烊 and Natural Resources Wales.
Publication date: 17 October 2013