New agreement forged between environmental organisations
Monday 22nd February 2010
Today, Monday 22 February 2010, will see Wildlife Trusts Wales (WTW) and the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) set out plans of working together to create an environment rich in wildlife for Wales and its people, through the signing of an innovative partnership agreement; a Concordat.
Derek Thomas, Chair of Wildlife Trusts Wales - the umbrella body for the six Wildlife Trusts in Wales - and John Lloyd Jones, Chair of CCW, will sign the Concordat. It identifies areas of mutual benefit and sets out an agreement of joint working and collaboration. The Concordat will be underpinned by a three year grant agreement.
Some examples of collaboration include:
• Working together to deliver a range of educational and community projects, volunteering opportunities and student placements so people understand, care and value their natural environment.
• A joint approach to managing some Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) with the aim of stopping the loss of biodiversity.
• Seeking to empower The Wildlife Trusts to make recommendations on planning applications related to local wildlife sites.
• Sharing resources and information where possible, whilst working together to maximise income-generating opportunities for the environmental sector.
Derek Thomas, Wildlife Trusts Wales’ Chair, said:
“The Wildlife Trusts in Wales and the Countryside Council for Wales have long aspired to the same aims of achieving a healthy and diverse environment. Although this Concordat is the conclusion of one long journey, it also represents the start of a new and productive one. It brings together the six Wildlife Trusts in Wales and CCW, forging a closer working relationship. One better suited to achieving our common aims. Putting people at the centre of their environment is a vital part of our mission and we believe this Concordat will help enhance the quality of life of the people of Wales.
“It is particularly fitting we sign this agreement in 2010, the International Year of Biodiversity.”
John Lloyd Jones, CCW’s outgoing chairman added:
“We face huge environmental and economic challenges in these forthcoming years, and so the ability for our organisations to work together, share costs and innovate becomes even more vital. This partnership also supports the Welsh Assembly Government’s ambition for more public and third sector collaboration.
“As I retire from my time as CCW’s Chairman, I am delighted that one of my final tasks will be to sign off a key partnership agreement with the third sector. This is the first Concordat for CCW and for The Wildlife Trusts across England and Wales, so I know that this innovative approach will be closely watched. Indeed, it could provide a blueprint for public and voluntary bodies in the environmental sector for the future.”