Applications for the Nature Networks Programme will open on August 18.
The original programme was launched in 2021 to aid a green recovery through improving the condition and resilience of Wales’ ecosystems and biodiversity.
The second round of the programme launching this week sees an investment of £14.75m from the Welsh Government to further protect habitats and provide opportunities to engage with nature to improve wellbeing. The fund will be managed by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The scheme is open to landowners, managers, individuals, organisations and businesses in Wales. To undertake activity that benefits sustainable management of protected sites, special areas of conservation, special protection areas and sites of special scientific interest, applicants must demonstrate that they have the right permissions, licences and consents in place.
Proposed projects should address the impact of climate change and nature emergencies through innovative economic plans and social participation.
Economic actions could include moving away from unsustainable methods of production to a circular economy and investing to create new jobs and markets. Social actions could include engaging with local communities to encourage active participation in looking after their local ecosystems and natural resources.
It is hoped that this round of the Nature Networks Programme will help achieve 30×30 in Wales. 30×30 is a global pledge supported by governments, wildlife trusts and environmental organisations to protect 30% of land and sea by 2030.
This pledge sits alongside wider net zero targets for businesses in Wales. Public sector organisations are working towards achieving net zero by 2030 in a decade of critical action. While the private sector has the Wales wide goal of reaching net zero by 2050, many SMEs are starting their sustainability journeys now and setting interim targets due to their positions in supply chains for public sector organisations and larger companies.
For further information and to apply, visit https://www.heritagefund.org.uk/funding/nature-networks-fund-round-two
