Web viewIs “Protected” the correct word? ... FRM & incident co-ordination. ... Challenges and opportunities for AONBs 2015-2019

Welsh Member Training

The Welsh AONB Partnerships requested training for their members. With support from Welsh Government, the inaugural NAAONB Welsh Member Training took place 26-27th January.

It was attended byCouncillor Hugh Jones Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB PartnershipMr Mike Skuse Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB PartnershipMr John Roberts Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB PartnershipCouncillor Paul Lloyd Gower AONB PartnershipMr Alan Woodman Gower AONB PartnershipCouncillor Mark Child Gower AONB PartnershipCouncillor Richard Dew Isle of Anglesey AONB PartnershipCouncillor Angela Ann Russell Llŷn AONB PartnershipMr Ashley Thomas Wye Valley AONB Partnership

Philip Hygate National Association for AONBsHoward Davies National Association for AONBsJill Smith National Association for AONBsDavid Dixon National Association for AONBs

Apologies were received fromIeuan Llŷr Jones, Welsh GovernmentCouncillor John Arwel RobertsMr Efan Milner

11 High StreetFairfordGloucestershire GL7 4AD07969 [email protected] @NAAONB

Interactive sessions and results

There were two sessions where participants were asked to work together to collate data.

Session One, Day One looked at the expectations and roles of AONB Members where delegates worked in pairs to discuss and decide the top four “requirements” for a Member.

What makes an ideal Partnership member?

Commitment, enthusiastic and with a love for the AONBMeetings should be open and encompassing of local communities – meetings should attract at least 100 people (Alan Woodman). It is part of the Partnership’s role to package and engage the wider communities. This means looking outwards rather than inwards. Move meetings around the AONB – create a competitive spirit so that different communities within the AONB are proud and evangelistic about their own part of the AONB.

FC1A good CommunicatorA listenerEmpathy with the reasons for designationPrepared to speak out and influences their colleagues – including council

FC2Representing an interest groupUnderstand your “area” and the bigger pictureA “voice” for the area and be prepared to support AONB principles

FC3Be enthusiastic, committed, keen to learn, evangelistic, keen to learnBe connected to audiencesElected voice = stability, links to LAs, fundingCommunicate value and relevance of AONB designation to councils and communities

FC4Should add to the balance and productivityResources to act – fundingInfluence planning and developmentKnowledge of local business

FC5Love of the area – enthusiasticKnowledge of planning and development – keeping a balanceKnowledge of landscape condition – appreciation of the variety within individual AONBsResources to act: funding – importance of different funding streams and their availabilityElected voice – district/county, assisting in pushing the agenda as widely as possible

FC6Planning – sustainable development, legislation, policies, influence, systemCultural Heritage – knowledge, feel/understanding, sustainingLand Management – biodiversity, understanding, AONB benefits, agricultural schemesElected voice – messages/information, represent community, projects/ideas/cooperation

The second interactive session was the final session of Day Two and had delegates discussing and deciding what they would do following the training event. The notes from the flipcharts can be seen below.

FC1MoreSetting the AgendaInformal support for the teamHigher profile for the AONB

Less Dominance of planning at meetings

FC2MoreEncouraging of understanding and support by interest groupsReaching consensus of the “value” of the area and bigger picturePromoting the benefits to “All” of the AONBSetting the AgendaInformal support for the teamHigher profile for the AONB

FC3MoreEnthusiasticGood ambassadorChallengerStrong InterestAttendance

FC4MoreDiverse set of representatives on the JAC i.e. encourage Farmers Union repsBetter – jargon free – communications. Know your audience. (Use the key messages from the NAAONB Communications Strategy)Better training of all councillors (NB new arrangements could erode local input and knowledge. Amalgamation might well weaken local government)

FC5MoreUnderstanding of bigger picture

Awareness of changes and pressures and how to adapt and deal with thisCommunications/Awareness Training

FC6MorePutting the local AONB within the bigger picture (national, international)Selling success – don’t take for granted that they understand what you’ve doneInformal support – practical support, stuff envelopes, clean toilets etcInduction Training Peer to peer interactionFeedback on TNAs

Presentations and links

There were four speakers over the two day training programme.

Session Two, Day One looked at the challenges ahead. Peter Ogden, Director, CPRW spoke on “AONBs in Wales – the challenges ahead”.

For the full presentation clickhttp://www.landscapesforliferesources.org.uk/images/uploads/pdf/Welsh_member_training_-_CPRW.pdf

CPRW have had a symbiotic relationship with NAAONB for many years30 years of personal experienceWe need to look after the Family “silver”

“Our landscapes reflect our collective past and determine our future quality of life. Landscapes are about people and places, are fundamental to our health and well-being, and are an important part of our identity. It is critically important that the value of landscape is recognised in decision making locally and nationally.” Howard Davies, January 2015 used by CPRE to launch their Landscapes For Everyone manifesto to the UK Government.European Landscape Convention was the starting point which looked at

Prevention of the deterioration of cultural and geological heritage Protection of the diversity beauty and identity Correcting the lack of integrated perception of landscapes Establishing better public and policy makers awareness

Peter’s key messages

Landscapes are a symbol of human skill and ingenuity are the cradle in which everything happens hold the trade secrets of Sustainability are our food hall, fuel and energy stores are our life support dynamos are environmental shock absorbers are factories of well being are theatres of learning and imagination are arenas of challenge and inspiration offer the intangible –cultural and heritage values

In short Landscapes define our “Bro”: Our individual and community Identity, Our Sense of Place, and the quality of our lives

Two Welsh ministers quote that economic development is the priority.

Jeff Cuthbert Minister for Future Generations says

Successful sustainable development means • Creating more jobs• Achieving social equality• Eradicating poverty• Providing learning opportunities for everyone”• Increased public engagement

Carl Sargeant Minister for Natural Resources says

“I want Wales’ Protected Landscapes of Wales to do more, to be icons of sustainable development”

“I consider that the economic aspects of proposed developments are the main consideration in the determination of this application."

Peter advised not to talk about “landscapes” as this is “off the radar”. Need to talk about sustainable economic development.

Legislation is coming that will change how AONBs operate. They are not immune from the bigger issues such as climate change and the need to do more with fewer resources.

We must promote the value and public benefits of landscapes. Make them much more relevant to people.

Move from “protected” landscapes >>> to valued Lifescapes

Investing in Lifescapes to create

places which

improve air, water and soil quality and help us adapt to climate change. optimise opportunities for better working, learning and personal development. Help overcome inequalities Encourage healthy lifestyle, Are restorative, uplifting for physical and mental health Make people feel comfortable, increase social interaction.

AONBs need to become more resilient, have more community engagement, maintain diversity in and between AONBs, make best use of the process of change to help enhance the character of the area.

People and communities are our Protected Landscapes’ greatest assets – Ambassadors

What’s needed?

Much greater clarity at a national level with where AONBs are going Consistency and coherence which delivers integrated landscape, biodiversity and heritage

stewardship.

Relating to planning, encourage/assist in• Behavioural change• Enhanced Strategic framework for action• Adequate resources • Clear leadership but shared responsibilities • Facilitation of Civic and stakeholder engagement

AONBs ARE AT ON THE FRONTLINE OF DELIVERING WELLBEING. They are experts in partnership in a way that NPAs aren’t, because they have to be.

Your AONB needs you. Speak up!

Key Points and Questions from the floor for Peter OgdenGowerHow to address the wellbeing of the whole of the community. NB Protection does not remove AONBs from the rest of society (i.e. people feel that “protected” means that they can’t be visited by the hoi polloi.) Is this a language issue? Is “Protected” the correct word? Though this can work the other way with planning – people comment that things shouldn’t happen because the area is protected.

Wye ValleyAppreciation of “natural beauty” is better understood than we think – e.g. children in Monmouth on Field Trips always take photos.

What sort of change/development is acceptable?Should planning applications be required to enhance rather than maintain the AONB?Communications needed to get whole nation to accept that they are national assets – revisit 1949 Act philosophy.

Are we doing enough to communicate the special qualities of our landscapes? Need to get it in a language that our public understands so they can advocate on our behalf to the politicians re economics, health etc.

Gower There is a shift in need. Gower beaches are empty – family outings to shopping malls are more the norm. We need to change behaviours and attitudes to get the value and relevance of AONBs recognised.

The meeting closed for the day after this discussion and more informal took place over dinner.

Session One, Day Two looked at AONBs with international and UK relevance. Nigel Dudley, IUCN spoke on “AONBs as international Protected Areas followed by Howard Davies, CEO, NAAONB.

For the full presentation clickhttp://www.landscapesforliferesources.org.uk/images/uploads/pdf/Welsh_member_training_-_IUCN.pdf

Nigel Dudley, IUCN – Key messages

Convention on Biological Diversity“Aichi Target 11” – 17% of terrestrial areas and 12% marine and coastal areas under protection by 2020.

IUCN has spent the last two decades reviewing and to a certain extent rethinking the question of what defines a “protected area” and how and what protected areas contribute to human society.

In 1975, IUCN began to develop a categories system for protected areas based on management objectives and this was eventually published as a set of six categories in 1994.What started as simply a statistical tool, soon began to influence planning, management, policy, laws and even the underlying philosophy of protected areas and conservation.

From 2000-2004 an analysis of the scope and impact of categories was carried out for IUCN by the University of Cardiff. The Speaking a Common Language report resulted in a resolution at the 2004 World Conservation Congress calling for a review of the categories and production of new guidelines

As a result IUCN published a new edition of guidelines to the IUCN protected area categories at the World Conservation Congress in October 2008 following a major global consultative process. The guidelines represent technical guidance from IUCN.

The category guidelines have three main elements:1. Definition of a protected area2. Definition of six management categories of protected areas3. Definition of four governance types of protected area

plus guidance on understanding, using and reporting these three elements.

The definition of a protected area: A clearly defined geographical space, recognised, dedicated and managed, through legal or other effective means, to achieve the long-term conservation of nature with associated ecosystem services and cultural values.

This definition was one of the major revisions in the 2008 guidelines – it reflects a wider view of nature, including geological diversity – but increases emphasis on nature conservation.

The guidelines explain the definition phrase by phrase and provide principles to guide its use.

One key principle for IUCN is only those sites where the main goal or outcome is conserving nature should be considered protected areas. Note that this would include many sites which can have other goals as well, at the same level, such as cultural or spiritual, but in the case of conflict nature conservation has to be the priority.

IUCN recognises that protected areas have a range of management objectives and governance types

Management objectives:Ia Strict nature protectionIb Wilderness protectionII Ecosystem protection and ecotourismIII Natural monument or featureIV Habitat / species protectionV Landscape / seascape protectionVI Protection with sustainable use

Governance types:A By governmentsB Through co-managementC By private bodiesD By indigenous peoples and local communities

Category V (protected landscape) protect areas where the interaction of people and nature over time has produced an area of distinct character with significant ecological, biological, cultural and scenic value and where safeguarding the integrity of this interaction is vital to protecting and sustaining the area and its associated values.

IUCN National Committee for the UK assessed UK protected areas against the new definition and categories – each major protected area institution produced a “statement of compliance” ...

And AONBs passed.

Our challenge now is to prove that this was the correct decision.

Howard Davies, NAAONB – Key Messages

For the full presentation clickhttp://www.landscapesforliferesources.org.uk/images/uploads/pdf/Welsh_member_training_-_NAAONB.pdf

Countryside and Rights of Way 2000 Designation of AONBs Establishment of Conservation Boards Duty of regard

Equality in status to National Parks

An Independent report on AONBs showed that our Partnerships are Highly trusted at a local level – grown over the last couple of years to become

trusted convenors (discussions with businesses have backed this up) Cooperative Democratic

The AONB Family comprises240 members of staffElected members

NAAONB bring the AONB Partnerships and staff, NAAONB Board of Trustees and core team and NAAONB member organisations together to speak with one voice.

Our collected vision is“The natural beauty of our Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty is valued and secure, and the relationship between people and these nationally important landscapes is understood and supported at all levels”.

Our aim isTo strengthen the profile of the AONB Family and the value of its work.

DiscussionStaff meet and speak quite regularly. Members should try to meet up more often and share their wealth of expertise – today is a start. Landscapes for Life Conference in July is an annual opportunity. What other opportunities are there or could be provided by local or NAAONB?

AONB Partnerships are trusted. (As we are not planning authorities, we are not the organisation that says no). This is a valuable asset to have. We have the power to convene, negotiate, broker, bring about consensus.

What will the relationship with the NPAs be in the future?Welsh Protected Landscapes have always got on well. It tends to be person led.NAAONB meeting with Chairman of National Parks England (NPE) on Thursday.

CPRW expressed wish for AONBs/NPs to be looking beyond their boundaries so the good happening within spreads to wider communities issues don’t have boundaries

resources + permission to act ecosystems approach audit of resources within our AONBs – who has planning expertise, communications

expertise etc? a valuable resource of AONBs is its people – staff, members, community volunteers,

councils

Session Two, Day Two looked at AONBs from a Welsh perspective with a presentation from Liza Tomos, Natural Resources Wales followed by a general discussion on the challenges and opportunities ahead

For the full presentation clickhttp://www.landscapesforliferesources.org.uk/images/uploads/pdf/Welsh_member_training_-_NRW.pdf

Liza Tomos – Key messages

Liza is part of a small landscape team based in Bangor/Aberystwyth which develops and provides evidence and tools for decision makers e.g. Landmap, Seascapes, Regional Landscape Character Maps and provides advice on e.g. new approaches, funding, partnerships.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW)• Main purpose is to ensure that Wales's natural resources are• sustainably maintained, • enhanced • and used - now and in the future

• NRW is the principal adviser to the Welsh Government (WG) on the environment• Main aim is to improve the environmental, economic and social outcomes for Wales

through their wide range of services and responsibilities. Sustainable development will be their main organising principle.

• NRW provides advice to Welsh Government on National Policy development, responses to national consultations and provides evidence base

• NRW is a Welsh Government Sponsored Body, but arms-length (i.e. they advise on policy, but don’t make policy - a delivery body).

• NRW is INDEPENDENT

Natural Resources Wales has brought together• Countryside Council for Wales, • Environment Agency Wales • Forestry Commission Wales, • as well as some functions of Welsh Government (e.g. marine licencing)

NRW is tailored to meet the unique needs of Wales

Wales faces many challenges – for people, communities, economy, environment & wildlife.

Meeting these challenges needs new ways of thinking and new ways of doing things including

o securing energy supply, provision of jobs, tackling the threats of climate change and flooding, improving people's health and wellbeing

o how we maintain, improve and use our natural resources

There is an opportunity to radically change approach to natural resource management in Wales – taking a more ecosystems approach• Wales's landscape, environment and wildlife are amongst its greatest assets, but it is

even more valuable than that. It • provides our basic needs, the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat,• gives us energy, prosperity and security; it protects us and makes us healthier

NRW is better value for money – including cash-realisable benefits: Total benefits & savings = £150m over 10 yrs• E.g. more efficient processes, replacing transitional services from EA/FCGB, new

approaches etc.

By unlocking the potential that lies within its resources, by managing them and using them in a more joined up and integrated way, wider benefits can be delivered, and can help to meet the challenges we face.

One voice instead of three sets of evidence, advice and guidance – better for customers and stakeholders.

Further information on NRW• The largest Welsh Government Sponsored Body with over 2,000 staff. • An operating budget of £177 million • The only organisation in the world which has such a unique mix of activities in terms

of managing, protecting and using natural resources.• CEO =Dr Emyr Roberts; Chairman = Professor Peter Matthews. • The NRW Board has also been put in place and met in the public for the first time in

May.

The directorates of the new organisation

Knowledge, Strategy and Planning DirectorateAdvise WG on National Policy DevelopmentResponses to National consultationsProvide evidence base for NRW advice

National ServicesPermitting, customer servicesEnterpriseCapital programme management

FRM & incident co-ordination

Operationally NRW are split into four regions. North, Mid, South East and South West Wales.The boundaries are aligned with local authority boundaries, rather than river catchments.Some services provided across boundaries, and some joining up for catchments e.g. WFD.

AONBs in WalesGowerWye ValleyYnys MônLlŷnClwydian Range and Dee Valley

NRW Landscape Evidence & Application• Landmap• Seascapes• Regional Character Map• Advice linking Ecosystem Approach & management planning• Historic Landscapes• Recent designation of extension to Clwydian Range & Dee Valley AONB tested

methodology• Landscape position paper being prepared

DirectionEcosystem ApproachTaking the Long ViewWilliams Review of Public ServicesReview of Designated LandscapesMarine PlanWelsh Government Shared Outcomes

All of the above is being undertaken against a background of AUSTERITY where, for example our National Park budgets have been cut by 12% since austerity kicked in. Decision to protect Health budget has meant deeper cuts in other areas i.e. £900 million coming out of local government by 2018 to fund the NHS.

The number of local authorities will be cut by half.

Welsh Government Shared OutcomesNRW long-term outcomes have been developed by the sponsoring department in Welsh Government, and it is expected to align its work to help achieve these. NRW intend to work with other stakeholders, to find ways to join up on delivering against these outcomes, across WG departments• enhancing our environment• protecting people• supporting enterprise and jobs

• improving the nation’s health• viable and vibrant places• delivering social justice• supporting skills and knowledge

WG Review of Designated Landscapes (DLs)• Independent Panel• Merits of a single designation?• Are the Designated Landscapes equipped with the right tools for the next 60 years?• Phase 1 reports end January• Phase 2 from mid February, reports June

The Panel is chaired by Prof Terry Marsden with Ruth Williams and John Lloyd JonesThey will make recommendations to WG.The Panel will take into account Planning Bill if there are any changes to National Park planning powersNRW has provided written and oral evidence to the PanelIt is possible that a duty similar to that of the Scottish National Parks to promote the social and economic wellbeing of Residents – across the Designated Landscapes? Stronger than ‘have regard for’.

Legislative Programme• Environment Bill• Wellbeing of Future Generations Bill• Positive Planning Bill• Cultural Heritage Bill

Environment Bill• A legal framework for the sustainable management of natural resources. • The key elements are• State of Natural Resource Report (SoNaRR)• National Natural Resource Policy (NNRP)• Area-based Approach (ABA) and Area Statements• Appropriate use of our regulatory approaches

The Bill has been designed to help manage the environment in a joined-up way AND simplify, streamline and clarify processes and regulation e.g. marine licensing

The Bill provides NRW with the tools to do the job e.g. PES (also mentions man agreements and use of experimental powers)

The Bill helps recognise the value of and opportunities provided by natural resourcesSustainable management of our Natural Resources is the key contribution by NRW to the delivery of the Well-being goals, well being objectives and well being plans.

Could PL management plans become well being plans?

Well Being of Future Generations (Wales)AIMPublic bodies to improve the economic, social and environmental well-being of Wales,in accordance with the “sustainable development principle”

Due to be enacted 2016

Impacts of WG Legislative Programme• New Local Authorities • Joint delivery• Further shared resources• Further integrated management• Demonstrate dynamism

Joint delivery of Wellbeing Goals: Prosperous Wales, Resilient Wales (climate change), Healthier Wales, More Equal Wales, Cohesive Communities, Vibrant Culture & thriving Welsh Language

How to contact NRW• Phone: 0300 065 3000• E-mail: [email protected]• Web: www.naturalresourceswales.gov.uk• Follow on Twitter, Facebook, Flickr and Youtube on NatResWales

Challenges and opportunities for AONBs 2015-2019

Raise profile of AONBs with public.What is an AONB for?Use national communications strategy for overarching messages for AONBs/AONB partnerships and tailor with local examples/substantiations. Engage with national Action Plan (just 5 actions per year).

Communicate value and relevance to a variety of audiences (see national Communications Strategy for examples of audiences)

Health benefits in Protected Landscapes – articulate clear offer ie coastal footpath can assist health so need resources to manage. Engage with Healthy Parks, Healthy People initiative.

Fundamental issue Denigation, dilution of public services >>> challenge

Transition to new models of working – how?

Champions for Health (see above)

Champions for Tourism – big opportunity for AONB landscapes £££££ budget from Visit Wales.

Session Three, Day Two looked at a Guide for AONB Partnerships. This can be found on http://www.landscapesforliferesources.org.uk/images/uploads/pdf/Guidance_for_AONB_Partnership_Members.ppt

or by request from [email protected]

In brief it covers A basic AONB Management structure – have you got the right people you need to

achieve what you need to do? Partnership working, how and why? What Partnerships do? Partnership members Effective Partners and their characteristics AONB Management Plans Planning role

Issues for Partnership Members to consider Understand special qualities Biodiversity outcomes Monitor Know what is happening Plan Communicate Challenge partners