What work has the Welsh Government done to ensure that the new funding announced for the national seagrass action plan for financial years 2024-25 and 2025-26 will cover all of the proposed improvements as set out in the written statement by the Cabinet Secretary on 10 January 2025?
The National Seagrass Action Plan (NSAP) sets out a vision for Seagrass restoration across Wales with one of the key objectives being to support the recovery of 266 hectares of seagrass by 2030.
To support deliver the plan highlights 3 cross-cutting themes integral to achieving this objective:
- Community Engagement
- Co-ordination
- Funding mechanisms
The most recent funding will allow the governance structure of the NSAP to be developed further to attract long term sustainable funding from a range of sources including private investment.
The funding will also support a National Seagrass Action Plan Project Manager, with responsibility for the co-ordinated delivery of the NSAP.
My officials continue to work closely with Seagrass Network Cymru (SNC) to support delivery.