GAME OF THRONES STAR AND YOUNG ACTIVISTS APPEAL TO COMMISSIONER TO SAVE NATURE FOR FUTURE WALES

“It is imperative that we preserve the wealth of beauty held in our small nation.”

These are the powerful words of globally acclaimed Welsh actor, musician and now nature ambassador, Iwan Rheon.

In a heartfelt letter addressed to the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, Sophie Howe, Rheon urges the commissioner to put nature at the heart of Wales’ future.

The future generations report due to be released in Spring 2020 will set out what the Commissioner believes should be a priorit­y for the Welsh Government in order to create a better Wales for future generations.

It is for this reason that WWF are asking people in Wales to join together on Thursday 19^th December and make their voices heard for Welsh nature. WWF Cymru is asking people across Wales to share their thoughts and passions for why nature should be protected. By using the hashtag #OurFutureWales and #WeNeedNature on the 19^th of December, your posts will be shared with the Future Generations Commissioner to demonstrate the nations need for a brighter future for people and nature.

Rheon remarks, “my vision for Wales is one full of wildlife. It is imperative that we preserve the wealth of beauty held in our small nation…I want to be able to share that Wales with my son – one full of nature. But Welsh nature is in a fragile state. Despite some success stories, our wildlife continues to decline.”

He goes on to say that he is saddened to “no longer hear the symphony of bird song and number of animals” that he remembers of his homeland, and that he wants to see the land the way his “Taid” did years ago.

Rheon is not alone in his concerns. In a recent survey conducted by WWF, 68% of Welsh people said they are concerned future generations will suffer from a decline in the natural world. [1]

Nia Jones, Postgrad Researcher School of Ocean Sciences at Bangor University, said “The natural spaces and scenery of Wales is some of the best around. Having been the environment officer for my student’s union and co-founded The No Straw Strand to reduce plastic within my university, it has always been my personal endeavour to protect our natural world. Everything I campaign for is to create a better space for both us and the species that live within it.”

Jess, McQuade, Head of Policy WWF Cymru, says, “Nature is not just a pretty addition to enjoy on a weekend walk. It is our life support system, the very foundation of our economy, health and wellbeing and the cornerstone of our tourism industry.

“We depend on it for clean air and water, fertile soils, the food we eat, and to attract investment to Wales. But it is declining at an alarming rate, we know nearly 4000 species have been lost from Wales in the past half century alone.[2]

“We are proud of our spectacular landscapes and natural heritage. Nature is at the very heart of our national identity, and for Wales to thrive it must be a part of our future. If we do not recognise nature’s vital importance now, we will rob future generations of their life support system and wellbeing.”

For more information on the State of Nature Report Wales 2019, visit: https://www.wwf.org.uk/updates/state-nature-wales-2019

[1] Celtic Charity Awareness Monitor, Jun 19, nfpSynergy | Base: 1,000 adults 16+, Wales

[2] State of Nature Report, WWF (2019) https://www.wwf.org.uk/updates/state-nature-wales-2019

Letter from Iwan Rheon to Sophie Howe, Future Generations Commissioner for Wales

Office of the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales,

Market Chambers 5-7 St Mary’s Street, Cardiff, CF10 1AT

Dear Sophie Howe [Future Generations Commissioner for Wales],

I am writing to you as ambassador for Wales to ask for nature to be at the heart of our future.

My vision for Wales is one full of wildlife.

It is imperative that we preserve the wealth of beauty held in our small nation. I remember my Taid talking about how many birds there used to be over Gwynedd and fish in the rivers. But it’s a different story now.

I want to see Wales as my he saw it. And I want to be able to share that Wales with my son and future generations – one full of nature.

But Welsh nature is in a fragile state.

Despite some success stories, our wildlife continues to decline. According to the latest State of Nature report, the latest findings show that one in six species in Wales are at risk of extinction.

When I come home to Wales now, I no longer hear the symphony of bird song and numbers of animals that I remember.

The analysis shows that none of our natural systems in Wales, from coasts to mountains, are truly healthy enough to face threats such as the climate crisis.

We need nature to help us tackle the climate crisis, for our physical and mental wellbeing and to provide us with the food we eat and air we breathe. It’s vital.

I’ve been fortunate to work abroad in many countries and proudly bang on about the majesty of our nature and the biodiversity we can boast of. When the world thinks of Wales, they think of castles, wild landscapes and natural beauty. Our global image has grown on the richness and vastness of our nature. It’s exciting to see Wales in demand for film and TV and I hope that, through protecting and restoring our natural heritage, that we see this sector grow further.

A vision for ‘Our future Wales’ must prioritise investing in nature.

As Commissioner, you have a unique opportunity with the future generations report to make sure that nature is restored and protected.

Best Regards,

Iwan Rheon