PUBLIC-SECTOR efforts to tackle the nature emergency in Wales have failed, the public spending watchdog revealed today.

In a bid to to reverse a decline in biodiversity, the Environment (Wales) Act 2016 placed an enhanced duty on public authorities to protect biodiversity and the resilience of ecosystems.

But a report by Auditor General for Wales Adreian Crompton, published today, finds that many public authorities, including the Welsh government, have not complied with key biodiversity requirements.

“The Welsh government itself needs to do more to lead by example, support improvement and take a more active interest in the application and impact of its legislation,” Mr Crompton said.

The report details how the Welsh government has failed to comply with its own planning requirements and is not effectively monitoring public-sector compliance. It also reveals that nearly half of public bodies have not published a biodiversity plan. 

A Welsh government spokesperson said: ”We welcome the findings and recommendations of the Audit Wales report. We remain committed to tackling the nature emergency.”