Pets&Wildlife YOUNG PEOPLE DEMAND ACTION

Atthe end of 2022, the governments of the world gathered in Canada at COP15. This series of conferences focuses not on global climate issues – like the high-profile COP27 – but explicitly on biodiversity. Determined to help reverse the loss of nature around the world by 2030, Welsh Climate Change Minister Julie James MS attended, and Wildlife Trusts Wales made sure their Youth Manifesto was produced to accompany their rallying call to policymakers.

Wildlife Trusts Wales’ project ‘Stand for Nature’ empowers young people to take action in their local area to tackle climate change. From urban Cardiff to rural Ynys Môn, young people are standing for nature and their futures. Their document for COP15, entitled Wildlife, Wales, and the World: A Youth Manifesto, sets six global challenges and six challenges for Wales, including reducing pesticides and plastics, increasing green spaces, and support for farmers to protect nature.

Rachel Sharp, director of Wildlife Trusts Wales, said: “Young people’s voices should be heard at every level, as they will inherit the planet. Although the Welsh Government has agreed to protect 30 percent of land and sea by 2030, this must include legally binding targets for nature’s recovery. Wales also needs to provide financial and practical support, particularly to farmers and communities so they can play their role in bringing nature back.

“Young people across Wales and the world are imploring their leaders to stand up for nature. Even some of the youngest in our groups are aware nature is struggling. Jacob, 11, said: ‘We shouldn’t just protect what nature is left, we should actually bring animals back into their habitats to make the world wilder again.’” Are you aged between nine and 24, and ready to Stand for Nature in Wales? Find out more at www.wtwales.org/stand-for-nature-wales

Welsh Lady Preserves is a family -run business established in 1966; makers of a wide range of premium award-winning fruit preserves, chutneys, sauces, relishes and mustards, cooked in traditional copper open pans.