National Parks can change people’s lives

3 December 2007
 
How have National Parks changed the lives of Welsh people, especially those from excluded communities?  This is just one of the questions to be considered at an event organised by the Council for National Parks (CNP) (1) at the Senedd on 4 December (2).
 
The event will tell the story of the Mosaic Partnership (3), a flagship project which aims to build stronger links between ethnic minority communities and National Parks and to break down some of the barriers to engagement.
 
Now running in its third and final year, the Mosaic Partnership has proven a great success and is recognised as a flagship model for how to involve excluded groups in environmental conservation.  At the event, Assembly Members, National Park organisations, and members of ethnic minority communities who act as champions for the project, will be able to discuss the challenges of ensuring that National Parks are for everyone, and how the project can be taken forward in Wales.
 
In her capacity as Vice President of CNP, broadcaster and presenter Sara Edwards said: “Our National Parks emerged from a postwar passionate belief that this land should be for the whole of society.  The vision remains, but society has tended to become more exclusive.  The Mosaic Partnership has risen to the challenge of building and strengthening links between National Parks and ethnic minority communities, for example through training and developing Community Champions to act as ambassadors for National Parks.  Ensuring that everyone has the potential to benefit from these national assets in the future is a challenging task, but one to which the Council for National Parks is committed.”
 
Fifteen-year-old Community Champion Priya Persaud said: “Working with the Mosaic Partnership has helped me discover the beautiful National Parks of Wales.  It has also given me a valuable opportunity, which I would otherwise not have had, to experience new activities and meet new people.  I believe that other people from ethnic minority communities should have the same opportunities.  Through my role as Community Champion I hope to spread the word that the National Parks in Wales are there to be enjoyed by all.  When you visit a National Park it is not just an opportunity to enjoy yourself but also to learn about their nature and heritage, and play a part in protecting them for future generations.”

Notes to Editors
1.     The Council for National Parks is the national charity that works to protect and enhance the National Parks of England and Wales, and areas that merit National Park status, and promote understanding and quiet enjoyment of them for the benefit of all.
2.     The event will take place on 4 December, from 5.30 – 7pm in the Oriel area of the Senedd, Cardiff Bay.  CNP would be delighted if you or a representative could attend the event.  Please could you confirm your attendance by contacting Oriel Price, Wales Policy Officer, either on oriel@cnp.org.uk or via 01495 724 751/07779 718244, Amy Peters either on amy@cnp.org.uk or via 020 7924 4077 ext. 230 or Nina Arwitz either on nina@cnp.org.uk or via 020 7924 4077 ext 227 as soon as possible.
3.     The Mosaic Partnership is led by the Council for National Parks in partnership with the Youth Hostels Association and four National Park Authorities.  The project is making great strides in opening up opportunities for ethnic minority communities to enjoy National Parks and by developing long term and direct engagement between these communities and the National Parks.

For press queries please contact:
Ruth Chambers, Head of Policy on
020 7924 4077 ext. 222