Written question WQ92763

As the theme of International Day for Biological Diversity 2024 is “Be part of the Plan”, we will be emphasising the important steps everyone can take at a local level to protect nature.

Earlier this month I had the pleasure of attending Biodiversity Day at the Senedd where I met several environmental NGOs and heard more about their work with Local Nature Partnerships and the Biodiversity Deep Dive. At the event I was delighted to announce additional funding for the Nature Networks Programme in 2024-25 to continue to support improvements to the condition and connectivity of our protected sites network allowing some of our most precious habitats and species to thrive. This is one of our key programmes in helping to deliver our 30x30 commitment and tackle the decline in biodiversity.

Throughout May we are promoting a number of campaigns including ‘No Mow May’, the ‘It’s for Them’ Campaign, where we are encouraging people to change the way they mow grasslands to support biodiversity, and Plant Health Week.

We are also supporting Mental Health Awareness Week by promoting the wonderful benefits of nature for mental and physical health. By spending time in green and blue spaces or bringing nature into our everyday lives we can improve our wellbeing and make stronger connections with the environment around us.