Wales’ National Parks and National Landscapes are internationally recognised as IUCN Category V protected areas—part of a global network dedicated to safeguarding nature and supporting sustainable communities. While understanding their purpose and contribution to global environmental goals is important, what matters most is how effectively these landscapes restore and enhance biodiversity.
Designated Landscapes are uniquely placed to apply global thinking at a national and local scale. Their work aligns closely with two major United Nations frameworks:
In Wales, these are naturally brought together through a Landscape Approach, framed by the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act. The IUCN Category V guidelines provide a governance model that supports this integrated and participatory way of working.
Across the world there are many initiatives—both direct and indirect—that can support Wales’ ambitions for nature recovery within Designated Landscapes. Drawing on international experience helps widen our perspective, encourage innovation, challenge assumptions, and ultimately improve how effectively these protected areas deliver for nature and people.
The CBD’s Three Core Objectives
The holistic, partnership‑based planning approach used in National Parks and National Landscapes is well suited to advancing all three objectives, recognising their interdependence.
Management Plans for Designated Landscapes are created through an inclusive process that brings together national priorities and local needs. These plans:
This approach ensures that Wales’ Designated Landscapes remain places where people and nature can thrive together—now and for future generations.
The Welsh Government has committed to protecting 30% of Wales’ land, freshwater, and seas by 2030—an ambition that sits at the heart of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). Achieving this goal is essential to tackling the nature and climate crises and ensuring a healthier, more resilient environment for future generations.
Designated Landscapes cover 25% of Wales and hold many of the nation’s priority habitats, making them vital to delivering 30by30. Their rich landscapes, cultural heritage, and strong partnerships equip them to lead meaningful, place‑based action for nature recovery.
The Biodiversity Deep Dive set out the collective actions needed to meet the 30by30 target in Wales. This action-focused work highlights how collaboration between designated landscapes, communities, land managers, and conservation partners is central to restoring biodiversity at the scale required.
Explore how these special places contribute to Wales’ commitment to nature recovery and the 30by30 vision, ensuring that our landscapes thrive for generations to come.
To access the Forum portal click here
*Contact Sara if you need the password