A new initiative has been launched to involve the people of Wales in a national conversation about nature.
The scheme, which is facilitated by Natural Resources Wales and supported by the Welsh Government, will run over 10 weeks.
'Nature and Us' is designed to explore what actions are needed now to look after the natural environment for future generations..
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The campaign, which launched on Thursday, February 17, will involve individuals as well as businesses and community groups.
Rugby player turned adventurer Richard Parks is an ambassador for the campaign. 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.
"We know that the people of Wales – from individuals to companies to government – each have a role to play in protecting our natural environment, but not everyone feels empowered to have their opinion. This campaign aims to make sure we all, regardless of our postcode, race, gender or age, together, can decide what changes we need to make.
"I’m committed to having my say and would encourage every Welsh citizen to use their voice.
"We need to act now to tackle the climate and nature emergencies, and we also want to create a vision for our children's future. A vision that everyone in Wales can see themselves in, one that is achievable and one we can all get behind.”
He added: "The climate emergency is an incredibly polarised debate. You have people on one end of the spectrum who are terrified- it is a great source of poor mental health and anxiety
"You will have people on the other end of the spectrum, and everyone in between. We are hoping to give everybody in Wales a voice."
The Nature and Us campaign will explore key areas for change, including the way energy, transport and food systems are operating today and whether they could be adapted to better deliver for nature in the future.
Businesses and public sector organisations are being 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.”
While the outcome of the campaign depends on the response, it is likely that the results will be used to inform policy such as local nature recovery action plans across Wales.
From Thursday, people across Wales are invited to get involved here. People will have until the end April to have their say.
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