30by30 in Wales

Around the world, countries have come together behind an ambitious goal to protect 30% of land, freshwater and seas by 2030. Set out in the Global Biodiversity Framework, this target is a vital step towards restoring nature and tackling the urgent challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change that affect us all.

Nature is woven into every part of our lives shaping the places we call home, supporting our communities, and helping us stay healthy and well. From rolling hills and farmland to rivers, coastlines and seas, these landscapes are all connected, forming one living system that sustains us all.

When nature thrives, we thrive too. But to keep these places thriving, we need to take action - protecting what we have and restoring nature to resilient levels.

This is something we can only achieve together. It will take people, communities, organisations and land managers all playing their part, because nature recovery is a shared responsibility, and everyone has a role to play.

Achieving 30by30 is about more than simply protecting land, freshwater and sea; it’s about ensuring these places are thriving, resilient, and supporting both nature and people.

To make this happen, we need a network of areas, as set out in the 30by30 Framework for Wales, that reflect the rich variety of habitats and species, are well managed, support natural processes, and can adapt to pressures like climate change, pollution and land use change. In doing so, they can continue to deliver long-term benefits for nature and communities.

This means looking beyond existing protected areas. It involves recognising and supporting other places that are already helping nature recover - or have the potential to do so.

These places, known as Naturfa sites, complement protected areas and help create a stronger, more connected network. One that supports nature recovery at scale and for the long term.

Naturfa is a new, voluntary way to support nature’s recovery. It celebrates the people, communities and organisations who are caring for land, freshwater and seas, and making a real difference for nature.

It’s about recognising places where nature is being looked after for the long term, helping habitats thrive and ensuring the benefits of healthy ecosystems are there for future generations.

Naturfa status isn’t a legal designation. Instead, it’s a way of shining a light on the places already contributing to nature recovery - championing good work and inspiring others to get involved.

Naturfa sites are places where nature is thriving and where people are taking long-term action to support it. These sites show what’s possible when habitats are cared for and allowed to recover.

In practice, Naturfa sites are places that:

• support important habitats, species and help nature adapt and recover
• have clearly defined boundaries
• are managed and governed for the long term (at least 25 years)
• use evidence and monitoring to guide and improve management
• are developed and managed in a fair and inclusive way

Together, these key elements help ensure lasting benefits for both nature and people.

Full criteria and guidance can be found in the Wales Naturfa site-assessment tool.

Do you manage or care for land, freshwater or marine areas? If so, you could play a part in supporting nature recovery.

If you think your site could be recognised as a Naturfa site and count towards 30by30, you can get started by exploring the site-assessment tool and guidance below. It’s a simple first step to help you understand whether your site could qualify and what to do next.

Naturfa site‑assessment tool

Check whether your site could qualify for Naturfa recognition.

MEPCA Indicator (Excel)

Understand and assess how effectively your site is being managed for nature.

Glossary

Get clear definitions of key terms used throughout the site-assessment tool.

Resources

Explore guidance and tools to support your application and best practice.

FAQs

Find answers to common questions about Naturfa and the assessment process.

Submissions are now open and considered on an ongoing basis.

Get in touch to learn more and take the next step.

Have a question or want to explore Naturfa recognition? Get in touch we’d be delighted to hear from you.

30x30inWales@gov.wales