“A nation which maintains and enhances a biodiverse natural environment with healthy functioning ecosystems that support social, economic and ecological resilience and the capacity to adapt to change.”

The Commissioner’s current analysis is that the well-being objectives and steps relating to the ‘environment’ set by many public bodies do not always reflect the true definition of the Resilient Wales goal, which is focussed on maintaining and enhancing ‘a biodiverse natural environment with healthy functioning ecosystems’.

Commonly, they focus on areas such as recycling, flooding, cleanliness, fly-tipping and reducing emissions. While these are important areas, it demonstrates a lack of progress in helping achieve nature recovery and healthy, resilient ecosystems.

More positively, it is encouraging to see the focus and attention on the natural environment from Public Services Boards in their areas. Also, some health boards and national bodies in Wales are increasingly making the connections between a healthy, natural environment and better health and well-being.