Written question WQ94255
- Asked by
- Samuel KurtzConservative
- To be answered by
- Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 7 days
Question
Has the Cabinet Secretary undertaken analysis to determine whether the reintroduction of beavers in Wales comes with any bio-security issues?
Answer
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs
Following my recent Written Statement I have asked my officials to engage early with stakeholders to enable a range of perspectives to be heard, and any concerns explored. Further details will be announced at a later stage. This collaborative approach will help balance the ecological advantages of reintroduction and the needs and concerns of stakeholders.
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) administers and determines species license applications required for all releases of beavers into the wild, including into enclosed areas. Before determining any application for a licence, NRW carries out a thorough assessment of the proposed activity and consults with appropriate specialists when required. This includes consideration of bio-security issues.