Natural Resources Wales calls for a roadmap to reverse nature’s undeniable decline

The accelerating loss of nature and the intensifying effects of climate change and pollution are the most urgent challenges facing the environment in Wales, the country’s green watchdog has warned.

Ahead of publishing its full State of Natural Resources Report (SoNaRR) at the end of this year, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has published an interim study presenting evidence on pressing challenges and highlighting developments since the publication of the last full report in 2020.

While progress was noted in some areas, NRW said: “The evidence documenting nature’s continuing decline is undeniable, with the report highlighting the consequential impacts that can have on people, their well-being and the prosperity of the nation.”

NRW called for a change of tack, and collective urgent action to “shift social, economic and ecological systems towards a more sustainable direction”. Chair Sir David Henshaw noted that ahead of the Senedd election in 2026, “the evidence outlined in this interim report provides a clear roadmap for what can be done to reverse the damage and build a healthier, more prosperous future for Wales”.