Welsh Government extends funding for coastal capacity building

Coastal Capacity Building Scheme extended for two years to support fisheries and coastal communities with sustainable growth and diversification
COASTAL communities across Wales – including Pembrokeshire – will benefit from a fresh injection of funding as the Welsh Government extends its Coastal Capacity Building Scheme for another two years.
The scheme, delivered in partnership with the Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA), will provide £260,000 per year from 2025 to 2027 to support grassroots environmental projects aimed at restoring and protecting the marine environment.
Since launching in October 2023, the scheme has already funded eleven projects that connect people with the coastal environment, helping communities understand their role in tackling nature loss. In Pembrokeshire, groups such as the local Biodiversity Partnership and marine awareness organisations are understood to be exploring applications for the next round of funding.
The next phase of the scheme will have a particular focus on fisheries, aiming to boost community capacity and ensure people living along the coast have the skills and evidence they need to support sustainable development and nature recovery.
Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies said: 'This funding extension reflects our commitment to improving resilience in our coastal communities. These locally-led projects are exactly the kind of collaborative approach we need – bringing together communities, local authorities and businesses to protect our precious marine environment while creating sustainable opportunities.'
One of the current projects is the Coastal Connections initiative led by Neath Port Talbot Council, which has delivered beach cleans, seashore safaris, and even a marine mammal medic course. The aim is to reconnect people with the coastline and highlight habitats that are often overlooked in post-industrial landscapes.
Rebecca Sharp, Countryside and Wildlife Team Leader for Neath Port Talbot Council, said: 'Neath Port Talbot's coastline is generally associated with its rich industrial heritage rather than its habitats and wild spaces. The Coastal Connections project aimed to change that narrative – and feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.'
Locally, similar projects could include work with school children, harbour users, conservation groups and the fishing industry, particularly in areas such as Milford Haven, Fishguard, Tenby and St Davids.
Applications for the next round of funding are now open. Interested groups should contact their Local Nature Partnership Co-ordinator, who will act as the lead applicant. Further information is available by emailing lnpcymru@wcva.cymru.

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