Written question WQ90046
- Asked by
- Andrew RT DaviesConservative
- To be answered by
- Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 8 days
Question
What assessment has the Minister made of the impact of national parks on the local rural economy?
Answer
Answered by Minister for Climate Change
Research from 2013 found our National Parks play a significant economic role. Overall, they accounted for £557m of GVA, representing 1.2% of the Welsh economy. Economic activity concerned with the management of the environment, or is dependent on the environment, supported 10,738 jobs directly within Park boundaries. The Marsden Report (2015) and Future Landscapes Wales (2017) have also considered the role and impact of designated landscapes. As part of their statutory designation programme for a new National Park in Northeast Wales, NRW are undertaking a rigorous analysis of the Forces for Change which influence the area’s special qualities. This will include a consideration of the rural economy.