WANPA Annual Members Seminar 2007

6-7 November, 2007
Plas Tan y Bwlch, Snowdonia National Park Authority

Our place in the new Wales

Introduction

Each year, the Members of the Welsh National Park Authorities attend a Seminar, to address and examine new directions and initiatives. The Seminar is also attended by representatives of the Welsh Assembly Government and the Countryside Council for Wales.

In 2007 the Seminar was hosted by the Snowdonia National Park at Plas Tan y Bwlch on the 6th and 7th of November. The preceding months had seen a focus on the role of the National Parks in fulfilling national priorities and government initiatives as outlined in the publication of the “One Wales” document and the Welsh Assembly Government’s Policy Statement for National Parks. In addition, achieving efficient and effective delivery of services as laid out in the Beecham Report forms a significant challenge for the Authorities. At a time of great change in Wales the Seminar asked the National Parks to examine “Our Place in the New Wales” in terms of policy, opportunity and learning.

The Authorities believe that they can contribute to the good and betterment of Wales and its people whilst also fulfilling their statutory purposes. Indeed, by examining and refocusing current areas of work and defining new methods of delivery, the Parks can effectively target many of the key challenges facing the nation today and in future years.

The following provides a transcript of the main presentations given over the two days.