Written question WQ84067
- Asked by
- Janet Finch-SaundersConservative
- To be answered by
- Minister for Climate Change
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 10 days
Question
What steps has the Welsh Government taken to determine the benefits of introducing highly protected marine areas to assist in blue carbon management?
Answer
Answered by Minister for Climate Change
I am committed to completing the network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the Welsh Marine Zone. The level of protection and management needed will be informed by the requirements of the feature, to achieve and maintain a favourable condition for the site. All appropriate levels of protection will be considered to deliver this.
Welsh Government are working closely with NRW, the other administrations and the scientific community to understand the issues and opportunities of blue carbon better, and we will work together with the intention to establish a UK Blue Carbon Evidence Partnership early next year. In Wales we will develop and deliver a shared blue carbon evidence plan both to direct the UK partnership and to inform specific Welsh evidence needs.
Research administered through the MPA Network Management Action Plan is improving our understanding of blue carbon potential within the network. Welsh Government continue to manage many of these sites within our network which have the potential to maintain and enhance blue carbon.