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Award nomination for Coastal Forum

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Screen Shot 2016-04-19 at 11.08.30PEMBROKESHIRE Coastal Forum (PCF) is in the running to land an EU award for its partnership approach to minimising disturbance in Pembrokeshire’s European Marine Sites.

A team of independent experts from across Europe have considered the collaborative work by PCF and its partners in developing groundbreaking projects including the Outdoor Charter and Marine Code.

David Jones, CEO of Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum, commenting on the news:

“It is great to hear that even on an EU level the things we do here in Pembrokeshire are valued. These projects have been developed in collaboration over the last 10 years and are still playing a key role in protecting our seas and coast. Without stakeholder engagement and involvement from a wide range of partners they would not have such a positive impact.

“We are one of only 4 projects to be shortlisted in the UK, the only one in Wales, and we also have an opportunity to win the European Citizens’ Award. This is totally dependent on a public vote so if you can, please take two minutes and help us by voting online.”

Sue Burton, Pembrokeshire Marine Special Area of Conservation Officer, added: “The work of the Marine Code and Outdoor Charter in Pembrokeshire has combined the needs of wildlife with those of users and activity providers to come up with ways to minimise impacts to the environment. The work has been a great way of raising awareness of the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC with recreational users.”

Every day, thousands of Europeans invest time, energy and knowledge in protecting nature.

The European Commission is again recognising these achievements through the Natura 2000 Awards for outstanding services in management and conservation of the EU’s network of protected areas.

Twenty-four finalists have now been selected from the 83 applications by an expert team of evaluators. They include projects from Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Spain, Finland, France, Hungary, Croatia, Italy, Latvia, Romania, and the United Kingdom.

The Awards, now in their third year, are intended to raise awareness about the Natura 2000 network, highlighting its successes and demonstrating the role it plays in protecting nature and promoting social and economic wellbeing.

Reacting to the announcement, Karmenu Vella, EU Commissioner for the Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries said: “These awards are a great advert for an outstanding network. I am delighted to see so many innovative activities being showcased, with such indisputable benefits for citizens and for nature. If you love nature, have a look at the lists – your vote will help give these remarkable projects the recognition they deserve.”

The finalists in five categories – Conservation, Socio-Economic Benefits, Communication, Reconciling Interests/Perceptions, and Networking and Cross-Border Cooperation – will now be assessed by an independent jury. Citizens too are invited to vote for their favourite shortlisted initiative to win the European Citizens’ Award. Online voting closes on May 8, 2016. The winners will be announced at a ceremony hosted by Commissioner Vella in Brussels on Monday, May 23, 2016.

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority Chief Executive, Tegryn Jones said: “Natura sites not only play a huge role in conservation but also in attracting visitors to Pembrokeshire, where the islands and coast are important in terms of wildlife watching and enjoyment. We have worked with PCF and partners in supporting these projects for over a decade and welcome the news that our work has been noticed by the Commission.”

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Crime

Police appeal for information after several tractors stolen

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POLICE officers in Pembrokeshire investigating a theft from several tractors, which happened overnight between April 17-18, 2024.

The tractors had been in a field near to Loch Turfin, Haverfordwest.

Included in the stolen items were vehicle keys, tools and waterproof clothing.

A spokesperson said “Police are now appealing for anyone with information that could help them with their investigation to contact PC 772 Boyt either through a direct message on social media, online at: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected] or by calling 101.

“Quote reference: 24*355571”

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Pembrokeshire firefighters help deliver fire engines to Ukraine

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FIRE services from across the United Kingdom have rallied together to donate vital firefighting equipment to Ukraine, amidst ongoing conflicts that have seen local fire stations and firefighters come under direct attack.

The Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) was at the forefront of this international goodwill effort, donating three fire appliances and dispatching nine of their personnel to ensure safe delivery.

The initiative, coordinated by Fire Aid UK, involved a total of 11 UK fire services. Over a grueling 5.5-day journey that spanned several countries—starting from Kent Fire and Rescue Service and moving through France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and into Poland—33 fire appliances were transported to a location just 20 miles from the Ukraine border. They left Kent on April 23.

This convoy, laden with not just fire engines but also 3000 items of critical firefighting gear including cutting equipment, fire hoses, first aid kits, and generators, was a sight of resilience and humanitarian commitment. Watch Manager Rob MakePeace, a Business Fire Safety Officer, and Watch Manager Keith Jenkins, who is retired but still oversees part-time personnel at Haverfordwest, played pivotal roles in the operation from Pembrokeshire.

Speaking on the experience, Keith Jenkins expressed the profound impact of the mission, “It was a fantastic experience to be involved in. The convoy itself was an amazing sight, but the people we met, places we stayed and the reason we were delivering the appliances was something we will remember for a long time.”

The donation comes at a critical time for Ukraine, where daily attacks have not only jeopardized the lives of local firefighters but have also devastated much of the essential infrastructure needed to fight fires effectively. The additional appliances and equipment from the UK are expected to significantly bolster the capabilities of the Ukrainian fire departments, providing them with the necessary tools to save lives and protect property under dire circumstances.

This act of generosity and the strenuous efforts by the UK firefighters underscore a deep commitment to aiding those in peril, transcending borders and showcasing the best of international cooperation and humanitarian assistance.

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Protest outside Stephen Crabb’s office over Rwanda deportations

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SUPPORTERS of West Wales Stand Up to Racism group will attend a protest outside the office of Stephen Crabb MP in Market Street at 6pm on Tuesday evening (May 7).

The protest is to highlight the inhumane scheme to send refugees to Rwanda.

Since the Rwanda Bill was finally passed last week, refugees have already been identified, detained and are being prepared to be flown to Rwanda to have their asylum claims processed there.

Rushi Sunak has said “To detain people while we prepare to remove them, we’ve increased detention spaces to 2,200.

“To quickly process claims, we’ve got 200 trained, dedicated caseworkers ready and waiting. To deal with any legal cases quickly and decisively, the judiciary has made available 25 courtrooms and identified 150 judges who could provide over 5,000 sitting days.”

The protestors are asking: why is all this money being spent when these vulnerable people could have their asylum claims dealt with in the UK?

If the Prime Minister hoped his Rwanda plan would help get more votes for the Conservative Party in the recent elections, it would appear he was mistaken.

A new report from the Refugee Council warns that the UK Government’s flagship Illegal Migration Act and Rwanda Plan will lead to another catastrophic “system meltdown”, trapping over 100,000 people in permanent limbo while costing taxpayers billions.

West Wales Stand Up to Racism has campaigned against the Government’s plan to send refugees to Rwanda from the time this scheme was first suggested.

Supporters have previously met with Simon Hart MP and attempted to deliver a giant postcard to his office.

The group has taken part in the online Hands in Protest project organised by Artisan Avenue, Tenby which allowed everyone to express on line how they felt about Rwanda by submitting drawings of their own hands. The collective Hands In Protest gives a powerful message that the Rwanda plan should be stopped.

The organisers said: “Supporters will be once more taking the giant postcard on Tuesday, to protest about the Rwanda scheme. We will have small post cards for supporters to write messages to Stephen Crabb, telling him how strongly we feel about this.

“All over the UK, anti-racists are picketing Home Office buildings to show their opposition to the Rwanda scheme and are trying to prevent arrests and giving support to the refugees being arrested and detained.

“West Wales Stand Up to Racism supporters want to make their voices heard too.”

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