The Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill was passed by the Senedd on 24 February 2026.
The Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Act strengthens environmental governance in Wales and will drive greater emphasis on biodiversity enhancement and ecological evidence in the planning process.
For developers, planners and land managers, the Act signals an increasing policy focus on nature recovery, biodiversity enhancement and sustainable development.
Key Features of the Act
Environmental principles embedded in law
The Act places core environmental principles into Welsh law, including the precautionary principle, prevention principle and the polluter pays principle. Welsh Ministers and public authorities must consider these principles when developing environmental policy and strategies.
New environmental oversight body
The Act establishes the Office of Environmental Governance Wales (OEGW), an independent body responsible for monitoring compliance with environmental law and investigating failures by public authorities.
Legally binding biodiversity targets
Welsh Ministers will set long-term statutory targets designed to halt and reverse biodiversity loss. These targets are expected to shape environmental policy, conservation priorities and land management across Wales in the coming decades.
What this means for Planning and Development
While Wales does not currently operate the mandatory biodiversity net gain (BNG) system introduced in England under the Environment Act 2021, planning policy in Wales requires development to deliver a net benefit for biodiversity under Planning Policy Wales.
This means that development proposals must demonstrate how they:
- Avoid or minimise ecological impacts
- Protect important habitats and species
- Deliver measurable biodiversity enhancements where possible
Ecological evidence therefore remains a critical component of the planning process.
Implications for developers
For developers working in Wales, the Act is likely to reinforce the importance of high-quality ecological input at all stages of development.
Demand may increase for:
- Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs)
- Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA)
- Protected species surveys (e.g. bats, great crested newts, dormice)
- Habitat assessments and management plans
- Biodiversity enhancement strategies to demonstrate net benefit
As biodiversity targets are developed, there may also be greater demand for long-term ecological monitoring and habitat restoration planning.
Supporting Nature Recovery alongside Development
The Welsh Environment Act represents an important step toward a more strategic and long-term approach to environmental protection in Wales. As biodiversity targets are implemented, ecological consultants will play a key role in helping developers and planners deliver sustainable development that supports nature recovery.