An introduction to WANPA

The Welsh Association of National Park Authorities (WANPA) is the name given to the three Welsh National Park Authorities as they work in partnership to promote the purposes and interests of Wales’ National Parks.   

WANPA is considered part of the wider UK family of National Parks.  It provides National Park Authorities with the means of pooling resources and sharing information amongst colleagues, policy makers, local communities within the National Parks and visitors to these protected areas.  WANPA’s existence owes itself to the political and policy differences resulting from the devolution settlement and the transfer of powers from the UK Government to the Welsh Assembly Government.

WANPA does not have a formal constitution.  The Association’s strategic agenda is set by an Executive Committee which is administered by the Park Authority holding the role of Chairman and Secretary.  The WANPA Executive is made up of NPA Chairmen and their Deputies.  Membership of the Executive also includes the three NPA Chief Executive Officers and representatives from the Welsh Assembly Government and the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW). The Campaign for National Parks (CNP) is invited to attend in an observer capacity.

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority (PCNPA) acts as Treasurer for the Association.  Pembrokeshire Coast NPA assumes responsibility for administration of the budget and recharges the Brecon Beacons NPA and Snowdonia NPA on an agreed basis.

The business of the Association is funded by subscriptions from each Park, a grant from CCW and some miscellaneous income (such as in-kind contributions from the coordinating Authority for administrative and secretarial roles).  The gross budget for WANPA for the 2008/09 financial year is likely to be £77,700.  This is made up from subscriptions of £21,000 from each NPA, a grant from CCW and other income.