New Welsh resources body named

Wales' new natural resources body has taken a step towards fruition after it was given a new name and its board was announced earlier today.


The body, named by environment Minister, John Griffiths has been renamed the Natural Resources Wales or Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru, and will replace the Environment Agency Wales, the Countryside Council for Wales and Forestry Commission Wales.

The implementation of the new body has met controversy among local organisations.

Last month results of a consultation showed that although a majority of organisations agreed that a new Welsh independent body should be set up, out of the 200 organisations who responded, a number questioned this necessity, arguing that it would cause additional bureaucracy and waste money.  

Some even suggested the creation of such a body went against the very principles of sustainable development that it was trying to achieve.

Despite this, Griffiths, who hopes to have the body up and running by April 1 2013, remained hopeful.

“Today’s announcement means we are another step closer to establishing a new body that will be crucial to a sustainable future for the people, environment and economy of Wales,” he said.

“Not only will the new body result in a more streamlined way of working for the benefit of its customers, it will also ensure more effective delivery, improved value for money and better outcomes for the people of Wales”.

Professor Peter Matthews was recently appointed chair of the body, and Dr Emyr Roberts chief executive.

Griffiths also announced the appointments of ten non-executive directors selected from 185 candidates.

Conor McGlone

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