A new law has been introduced in Wales to protect biodiversity and the natural environment.

The Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill includes measures to ensure compliance with environmental principles, establishment of an oversight office, and setting ambitious biodiversity targets.

Some of the key elements of the Bill includes:

Ensuring Welsh Ministers and Natural Resources Wales apply environmental principles and integrate environmental protection when making policy.

Establishing the Office of Environmental Governance Wales to provide independent oversight of compliance, application and implementation of environmental law in Wales. Their role will include ensuring public authorities, such as Welsh Government, NRW and local authorities, are complying with and implementing the law.

Enabling Welsh Ministers to set ambitious biodiversity targets that drive actions towards halting and reversing the decline in biodiversity. In particular, through increasing native species abundance, enhancing ecosystem resilience, and strengthening genetic diversity.

The Deputy First Minister, Huw Iranca-Davies emphasized the importance of addressing climate and nature emergencies, highlighting the urgent need for action in safeguarding Wales' environment.

He said: "I am thrilled to be introducing this Bill to the Senedd today. It is crucial legislation that will empower us to address climate and nature emergencies, safeguard our environment from harm and ensure a sustainable future for Wales.

"Wales is facing unprecedented challenges in respect of climate change and biodiversity with severe weather events like floods, heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires significantly impacting our communities, our ecosystems and even our economy.

"With one in six species now at risk of extinction in Wales, it has never been more important to restore nature and preserve the natural environment for future generations.

"The urgency to act has never been greater, and this Bill is an important step in strengthening our response and oversight of action in Wales."

The Bill aims to strengthen Wales' response to these challenges.