Join the ‘Nature and Us’ conversation

Voluntary organisations are in a unique position to help people all over Wales have their say on the future of the Welsh natural environment.

Launching on 17 February 2022, Nature and Us is a year-long project to involve the people of Wales in a national conversation about the future of our natural environment.

The aim is to develop a shared vision for the year 2050, by encouraging people of all ages to share views about their relationship with the natural environment and consider the changes we need to make leading up to 2030 and 2050, as individuals and as a country.

Rugby player turned adventurer Richard Parks who is an ambassador for Nature and Us is urging others to have their say. He said;

‘Nature and Us is a campaign to involve everyone in Wales in an open and frank discussion about the future of our natural environment.

‘I’m committed to having my say and would encourage every Welsh citizen to use their voice’.

HOW TO TAKE PART

We know that voluntary organisations are vital in bringing communities together and supporting a huge range of stakeholders and service users. This means that voluntary organisations are in a fantastic position to reach groups and individuals and encourage them to share what nature means to them and what actions they believe should be taken to protect our natural resources.

We’re asking voluntary organisations to encourage involvement in the campaign by hosting conversations to get people thinking.

We’ll also be hosting a session with Nature and Us on 23 March to provide some guidance on how to host these conversations, and the different creative ways people can give their input into the campaign. Click here to register.

ABOUT NATURE AND US

Nature and Us will build on lessons from COP26 and will look at how society’s relationship with nature needs to change and what changes we need to make to adapt over the next 30 years.

This national conversation is a collaborative effort, involving lots of different people and organisations, from young children to large companies. Everyone can have their say. It is an inclusive process that asks people to share their views by completing surveys, joining interactive webinars, attending workshops, and taking part in focus groups.

We would love as many people as possible to take part. The initiative starts with a ten-week ‘national conversation’. Facilitated by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and supported by the Welsh Government, it looks at the changes that are happening to the environment and the role that individuals, businesses and organisations can play in getting things back on the right track.

ACTIONS AND KEY AREAS FOR CHANGE

Nature and Us explores what actions are needed now, as a country and as individuals, if we are to look after the natural environment for future generations. Nature and Us will explore key areas for change, including the way our energy, transport and food systems are operating today and whether they could be adapted to better deliver for nature in the future.

Businesses and voluntary and public sector organisations are also encouraged to get involved. They can let their own staff, members and customers know about the campaign, or even organise their own Nature and Us events.

Climate Change Minister Julie James said:

‘Tackling the climate and nature emergencies is at the heart of everything we do – we must protect our environment for future generations.’

‘Conversations like this one being hosted by Natural Resources Wales are so important because we need a ‘Team Wales’ approach if we are to achieve our ambitious plans to restore nature.’

‘I would encourage everyone to take the time to find out more about the Nature and Us campaign and to make sure their voices are heard.’

FIND OUT MORE

It is really easy to take part in Nature and Us and most resources will be available online. People can read information about the climate and nature emergencies, have their say by completing a survey, or register for online events.

There are also tools to support community groups and school groups hosting their own conversations, and sharing their results in more creative ways, such as creating poetry, artwork or short films.

Nature and Us welcomes everyone in Wales who wants to join in. People can take part by themselves or get someone to help them.

Visit www.natureandus.wales to get involved.

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