Naturfa FAQs

Naturfa status is conditional and revokable at any time.

However, Naturfa status is intended to be permanent. Permanency is a key principle for sustaining nature recovery, where future generations shouldn’t miss out on the benefits provided by resilient ecosystems to current generations (See ‘Misconception 2’).

Ensuring that Naturfa sites contribute to sustained conservation outcomes depends on the presence of enabling conditions, such as stable and inclusive governance structures; long-term management capacity; legal or policy support; and community or institutional commitment. Sites will be recognised in the first instance where there is a high likelihood that enabling conditions are in place and unlikely to change significantly.

A Naturfa site is one that has been assessed and verified to meet the 30by30 criteria. It is a voluntary recognition supported by bottom-up mechanisms of protection, not a top-down designation. Non-statutory designations do not necessarily meet 30by30 criteria (e.g. long-term governance and effective management). However, designation (such as a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (PDF)) provides evidence of a site’s biodiversity value, supporting qualification for Naturfa status.

Yes. If the assessment is being conducted on behalf of a landowner – free, prior, and informed consent from landowners and relevant rightsholders is required prior to full assessment and again prior to recognition. This means that consent is voluntary, made before any decisions, and clear information is provided to all involved parties.

No. It is up to the governing authority on how the site is managed.

Naturfa status has been designed to be light-touch and enabling, rather than burdening, of existing management. Being awarded the status does not, in itself, impose new management obligations.

As a condition of recognition, sites will be expected to report periodically on management effectiveness, using the ‘Management Effectiveness of Protected and Conserved Areas’ (MEPCA) tool. This reporting is vital to track our progress towards 30by30 and ensure transparency and accountability.

No. It is a recognition of effective, long-term conservation achieved through existing, bottom-up governance and management systems that achieve equivalent, or better, outcomes for people and nature than statutory designation. Naturfa status serves as an accreditation label, showcasing the best biodiversity practice in Wales.]

Naturfa is a voluntary accreditation and does not, in itself, confer statutory protection or change land ownership, management rights, or legal controls. Responsibility for securing the site’s long‑term future remains with the landowner.

All Naturfa sites are required to contain priority habitat as a core eligibility criterion. Priority habitats are recognised within the planning system as being of high biodiversity value, and their presence must be taken into account by planning authorities when planning applications are assessed, in line with existing policy.

Where additional non‑statutory designations apply (for example, Sites of Importance to Nature Conservation identified through Local Development Plans), these will continue to carry planning weight in their own right.

NRW has a statutory duty to notify nationally-important sites that they have assessed to meet strict selection criteria.

We recognise that uncertainty about statutory designation processes can influence land managers’ decisions about engaging in voluntary conservation initiatives. Participation in Naturfa does not in itself trigger assessment for SSSI designation.

Naturfa is designed and operated as a positive, standalone mechanism to recognise and support delivery for nature, not as a precursor to statutory designation. Our aim is to build trust, provide clarity, and encourage participation.

If there are areas that meet the criteria and consenting parties putting forward an application, there is no reason we should not have marine Naturfa sites.

However, as 69% of the inshore marine area of Wales is already designated, recognising Naturfa sites here is less of a priority compared to terrestrial, freshwater, and coastal areas.

We are continuously involved in joint discussion with the other three nations in the UK to make sure we are aligned on 30by30 policy. We are part of the High Ambition Coalition Task Force for 30x30 and Regions4 to keep updated on the advancement of 30by30 across the world.

A site recognised with Naturfa status will receive an internationally recognised accreditation for the biodiversity value being delivered by the site manager. This accreditation can strengthen your site’s environmental credentials, which can be used in marketing (e.g. to consumers, retailers, and supply chains that prioritise sustainability). It also demonstrates leadership in sustainability, enhancing reputation both locally and nationally.

While nature finance markets are still in their early stages and the role of 30by30 within them is largely untested, recognition could help attract future investment and funding opportunities.

In addition, we intend that being part of a recognised network of Naturfa sites will provide opportunities for peer learning, advice, and collaboration, helping to share best practice, pool resources, and further strengthen each site’s approach to habitat management.

Whilst the Naturfa site pilots are in their infancy, we cannot make a firm commitment to additional public funding at this stage. Nevertheless, we want Naturfa status to be attractive to all those managing land with an interest in nature recovery. As our policy progresses, we anticipate more benefits and incentives will be developed.

Please email 30x30inWales@gov.wales if you have any questions about Naturfa.