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The monies will be made available through two flag ship schemes – Communities and Nature (CAN) and the Wales Coastal Path.

The Communities and Nature Strategic Project, led by the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW), has been made possible with almost £7.5million from the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Assembly Government.

The monies will help fund innovative initiatives that will create jobs and stimulate the economy through focusing on the enjoyment of wildlife for both local residents and visitors to Wales.

Welcoming the funding, Jane Davidson, Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing said:

“Wales’ natural heritage gives us plenty of opportunities for entrepreneurial activities. The high quality of the natural environment in Wales is already recognised as a significant factor in attracting visitors and an important driver of economic and social well-being. Over 130,000 are already employed in jobs associated with the natural environment, and have an output of nearly £2,000million.

“This is why I’m pleased that Convergence money will go towards supporting jobs and businesses in more rural areas of Wales.”

Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones added:

"Yesterday, we launched a Green Jobs Strategy for Wales designed to help create a new range of sustainable jobs across the entire spectrum of industry - from high technology manufacturing to renewable energy.

“This latest investment also demonstrates how this Government wants to use our natural environment in Wales to create economic opportunities through leisure and tourism - providing valuable, sustainable jobs in areas and communities where they are needed."

SPREADING THE FUNDS

Within the CAN Strategic Project, around £8million will be available for activities delivered by different groups and organisations which will generate an investment of over £16million into the Welsh economy. Across the Convergence area, CCW will work with groups and organisations to deliver projects, inviting them via ‘Sell to Wales’ to deliver activities as diverse as visitor centres to cycle paths. Five further projects will be developed by CCW on their own National Nature Reserves.

Community Officers will help project managers to engage with local communities so that residents can have a say in the activities. This will help ensure they can make the most of the opportunities that CAN present.

WILD FISHING WALES

As part of the CAN project, the Environment Agency Wales will run the Wild Fishing Wales scheme aimed at increasing angling tourism and opening up some of Wales’ more remote sites to fishing.

WALES COASTAL PATH

In addition to the CAN project just under £4million from the European Regional Development Fund has been given the green light for the Coastal Access scheme, generating an investment of almost £9million. The funding will be spent by Local Authorities on ensuring that the iconic All Wales Coastal Path is ready in time for the Olympic Games in 2012.

The scheme will improve sections of the existing path making it accessible to all users, developing new sections and promoting places of interest along the route.

As Minister with responsibility for coastal access, Jane Davidson added:

“Wales’ outstanding 850-mile coastline is one of our most important economic assets. It is a commitment of the Assembly Government’s One Wales agreement to create a footpath right around the coastline by 2012 – from Flintshire in the north east to Monthmouthshire in the south east.”

Dr John Taylor, CCW’s Policy Director said that in the current economic climate, the shift to the green economy will become more important than ever.

He said:

“In the current economic climate, the shift to a green economy will become more important than ever. I hope that the projects which will come to life through this European funding will clearly demonstrate how the environment has a clear role for job creation and sustainable economic development.

“But it goes further than this too. Developing wildlife-based tourism and increasing connections between people and their local environment can contribute towards tackling some of the deep rooted problems in rural parts of Wales.“

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