Wales

Introduction:

Wales has a mountainous terrain, and is historically the back yard to British imperial aspirations. It is a former site for coal and steel, though is now moving into a knowledge-based role. It retains its own language, but is increasingly integrated into the English economy, e.g. through supply chains, tourism and second homes.

The regeneration of the South Wales coalfields was a major achievement that continues to generate new clusters of environmental technologies. The South Wales terrain is resistant to intensive agriculture, and encourages small scale eco-farming, eco-tourism and other diversification. However, this same terrain also makes ground transport more difficult – for instance, linking the south and the north of the country will probably involve an air shuttle system. Wales’ strong national culture, language and high-quality community life can offer something of a counter-weight to intensive consumerism.

WWF-UK Projects in Wales:

There are currently no WWF-UK Local Authority projects in Wales.