Written - Launch of the Second Environment Strategy Action Plan 2008 – 2011

I am delighted to announce that tomorrow, Friday 17 October 2008 , I will be formally launching the second Environment Strategy Action Plan.

This second Action Plan builds on the significant work that has already been undertaken to progress the Wales Environment Strategy since its launch in May 2006 driven by both the first Environment Strategy Action Plan and legislative obligations, policies and programmes. Our ‘’One Wales’’ commitments set a new agenda for the Government which will drive clear action on the environment.

We are going in the right direction in a number of areas but we must do more. There are enormous challenges which face us all and which require committed and joined – up working across all sectors, not just Government

That is why the second Action Plan has been structured to set out planned progress on priority work to deliver the Environment Strategy. We have sought to avoid issues which are being covered by parallel work for example on climate change and waste or are being progressed through ongoing statutory work.

The Action Plan developed following a public consultation focuses on ten themes, including biodiversity, marine issues, access and recreation, and ecosystem services. Also included as themes are the key areas of ‘partnership’ and ‘people and the environment’. These themes are all key priorities under the Environment Strategy and set out a strategic approach and a clear rolling programme of activity which will assist in driving action and engaging stakeholders. There are a number of actions under each theme to set out what will practically be done to deliver the Strategy outcomes. These actions have been developed through engagement with a wide range of partners and I would like to thank all of those who responded to the consultation and to my Environment Strategy Reference Group for providing their invaluable independent expertise.

I would like to emphasise that this Action Plan complements rather than replaces the first Environment Strategy Action Plan, which we will continue to report on.