SoNaRR 2025: Method, glossary, references, and technical annex

Method

The SoNaRR interim report in December 2024 set out the method we have used to assess Wales’ achievement of Sustainable Management of Natural Resources. SoNaRR 2025 applies the method through the twin lenses of ecosystems and the main natural resources water, air, and soil.

We started by updating the evidence that was in the technical chapters in SoNaRR 2020.

This time around we have set out the evidence for each broad ecosystem and natural resource within an online space for you to explore. This includes the pressures, state, and impacts on wellbeing which are barriers to the achievement of SMNR. We have assessed the trends of each element and have included a confidence assessment based on expert judgement, which relies on the amount of evidence and agreement of that evidence.

In addition, the report includes updates to the evidence about the five drivers of environmental change at a Wales scale.

We have used this evidence to assess progress against each of the four aims of SMNR at the ecosystem, resource and all Wales, national scale. Wider available evidence, such as international reports and publications, have been used within these assessments where relevant. Each SMNR assessment recommends opportunities for action to manage the issues described.

As in previous reports, the evidence in SoNaRR 2025 follows the internationally recognised DPSIR approach – a framework for reporting on the environment by gathering evidence around drivers of change, pressures, state, impact, and response.

SoNaRR builds on DPSIR and uses that structure to assess progress towards SMNR and the Welsh well-being goals.

We have followed a more prescriptive method this time around to ensure all aspects of SMNR are addressed in a consistent way. The approach taken within SoNaRR 2025 is set out below.

1. Review of the SoNaRR2020 drivers of change [D] and pressures [P], their magnitude, current trends, and effects on each ecosystem. We have included a confidence assessment associated with the evidence.
2. Update the state (current state, trends, and outlook) [S]. For ecosystems this uses key metrics for Diversity, Extent, Condition and Connectivity. This informs the assessment of Aims 1 and 2. We have included a confidence assessment associated with the evidence.
3. Review and update the evidence describing ecosystem services and the level of importance of the benefits to people and economy that is contributed by the ecosystem. Also update the impacts [I] on these benefits identified through the pressures and state assessment. We have organised the ecosystem services using the SEEA EA Ecosystem Service Reference List, updating the previously used UK NEA. This informs the assessment of Aims 3 and 4.
4. Review and update the status of current responses [R]: what has happened since SoNaRR2020? We have also identified opportunities for action, taking into account synergies and trade-offs. 
5. Using the evidence from steps 1 to 4, update the assessment of SMNR against the four aims for each ecosystem and natural resource.
6. Using the assessments of SMNR across ecosystems and natural resources, along with the drivers of change evidence and relevant additional Wales, UK and global evidence, update the four All Wales Aims assessments
7. Bring the opportunities for action together, acknowledging synergies and trade-offs.
   
   

Collaborative working

SoNaRR is about Wales, not Natural Resources Wales. To ensure that a broad view of the subject is represented, we communicated directly with stakeholders in the updating of the evidence.

We have followed our evidence review process throughout. All the DPSIR evidence has been through an academic peer review process.

The SMNR assessments at ecosystem and natural resource scale have been reviewed by stakeholders along with the All Wales Aims assessments against the four aims.

Glossary

To provide further clarity we have brought together a collection of definitions for terms, acronyms, and abbreviations frequently used within SoNaRR 2025.

Download the SoNaRR 2025 Glossary (PDF) - Coming soon

References

A clear thread to the sources used within any environmental report is fundamental to providing a transparent, evidenced, and thorough report. Our evidence is referenced throughout.

Download the SoNaRR 2025 Reference list (PDF) - Coming soon

Technical annex

Most of the evidence we have used is published and available to explore further through the original publications. Referred to throughout the report, including the SoNaRR evidence portal, the technical annex contains data that is not readily available elsewhere.

Download the SoNaRR 2025 Technical annex (PDF) - Coming soon