An initiative giving the people a “say on the future of Wales’ natural environment” has launched today.

The Natural Resources Wales (NRW) initiative, Nature and Us, aims to involve people across Wales in how we tackle the climate and nature emergencies.

The initiative, which launched today (17 February), starts with a 10-week ‘national conversation’, following on from the global talks at COP26 and Wales Climate Week in November.

Support by the Welsh Government, NRW are looking at changes that are happening to the environment and the role that individuals, businesses and organisations can play in getting things back on the right track.

Nature and Us will look at what actions are needed now if we are to look after the natural environment for future generations, by exploring key areas for change – including the way our energy, transport, and food systems are operating today and whether they could be adapted.

Businesses and public sector organisations are encouraged to get involved. They can let their own staff, members and customers know about the campaign, or even organise their own Nature and Us events.

Nature and Us ambassador Richard Parks said: "We know that the people of Wales – from individuals to companies to government – each have a role to play in protecting our natural environment, but not everyone feels empowered to have their opinion. This campaign aims to make sure we all, regardless of our postcode, race, gender or age, together, can decide what changes we need to make.

"I’m committed to having my say and would encourage every Welsh citizen to use their voice.”

Clare Pillman, chief executive of NRW, added: “Nature and Us is all about the people of Wales coming together in a joint effort to protect our natural environment. We need to act now to tackle the climate and nature emergencies, but we also want to develop a vision for our future.

“A future everyone in Wales feels is fair and achievable.

“The only way we can do this is by making sure we hear from as many voices as possible from across society.”

The next step of the initiative is to involve playing back some of the findings, messages and voices NRW hear in a series of engagement events, taking place over the spring and summer.

They will also be speaking to stakeholders and the public about what they would like to see happen next.

To find out more about the climate and nature emergencies, have your say by completing a survey, or register for online events, please go to www.natureandus.wales.

You can also find tools to support community and school groups host their own conversations and share their results in more creative ways.