South Pembrokeshire Assembly Member Angela Burns has signed RSPB’s biggest ever campaign Letter to the Future, to show her commitment to consider the health of the planet for future generations when making economic decisions.
The RSPB’s new campaign urges politicians not to sideline the environment in the struggle to reform our economy.
Mrs Burns, who is also Welsh Shadow Environment Minister said: “I have signed the Letter to the Future because I think it is vitally important we not only protect our planet and ourselves from the effects of climate change but that we also protect the many other species we share this world with.
“We are already on course to miss our biodiversity targets and I have noted an increasing tendency to talk about climate change mainly in relation to how it will affect and inconvenience us.
“However, we must bear in our minds and souls our responsibility to preserve and protect the richness and the variety of all species. If we truly want our sons and daughters to be able to delight in our natural world we must take action now.”
Katie-jo Luxton, RSPB Cymru Director said: “Letter to the Future is a rallying cry for our politicians in the run up to an election and at a time when they are trying to make the most of scant financial resources.
“In Wales we have truly special landscapes rich in wildlife. Crucially, these often underpin local economies and are key reasons why people choose to live in, work in, and visit Wales.
“Over the years we have benefited from Welsh Assembly Government support and funding from the Countryside Council for Wales for schemes such as the black grouse recovery project, habitat restoration and species monitoring. These have supported wildlife and, in particular, helped to successfully reverse the fortunes of birds such as black grouse. However, as the recession starts to bite, funding for schemes like these are threatened.
“Therefore, the campaign is aiming to make sure they have a guaranteed future as they represent the wise use of public money. There is so much more to be done to support and improve and restore our environment and wildlife, and make much better use of the unique selling point these offer.
“With the recent passing of the Marine and Coastal Access Act we also want to ensure money is spent wisely on safeguarding Wales’ marine environment. Here serious investment will actually pay dividends as Wales’ coast and marine environment is estimated to contribute £6.8 billion worth of income to Wales.”
Over the coming months the RSPB will be gathering names aimed at showing the scale of public support for the environment as we approach a general election. More than 80,000 people have already signed since September and the RSPB is aiming to have tens of thousands more in time for a UK General Election in May.
