A historic waterway in Wales is facing an uncertain future as new rules threaten to dry up the canal, putting local businesses and wildlife at risk.
Concerns have been raised about a Powys canal “running dry” because of new rules being introduced by Natural Resources Wales.
The Monmouthshire and Brecon canal, which is over 100 years old, relies on water abstracted from the River Usk for its operation.
The Canal and River Trust, which manages the canal, will have to pay for the extra water it uses to keep the canal alive, but it does not have any new income to pay for it with. The annual cost of this is estimated to be around £1m a year, despite the fact that the water returned to the River Usk once it has travelled down the canal.
This has led some to fear that these restrictions “will result in the canal running dry”. The Trust has told those living on the canal that they could have to relocate their boats. There are growing fears for the local businesses working alongside the canal, as well as for the canal’s wildlife.
A canal running dry is a catastrophic event that can have severe consequences on the environment, economy, and local communities.
The drying up of a canal can lead to saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources, causing damage to crops and ecosystems.
It can also disrupt transportation routes, affecting trade and commerce.
In addition, the loss of water flow can cause soil erosion and decreased water quality.
According to the World Bank, an estimated 1 in 5 people worldwide lack access to safe drinking water, making canal maintenance critical for global water security.
MP for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe, David Chadwick, has written to the DEFRA, the Welsh Government and Natural Resources Wales for support for the canal. He stated that since its establishment, the canal has been dependent on water abstracted from the River Usk and its tributaries.
Mr Chadwick expressed his concerns about the potential consequences of the restrictions, including environmental harm and structural failure of the historic canal channel and assets along its length. He emphasized that there is a balance to be struck between protecting the Usk and its wildlife, while also preserving the canal’s importance for tourism and supporting local businesses.
Environmental harm is caused by human activities that pollute air, water, and land.
Climate change, deforestation, and overconsumption of resources are major contributors to environmental degradation.
The consequences include loss of biodiversity, extreme weather events, and negative impacts on human health.
According to the United Nations, 13% of greenhouse gas emissions come from agriculture, while 24% come from energy production.
Reducing waste, conserving water, and transitioning to renewable energy can mitigate these effects.
The intersection of conservation and tourism is a complex issue.
On one hand, ecotourism can generate revenue for local communities and support conservation efforts.
However, unchecked tourism can lead to habitat destruction, pollution, and disruption of 'wildlife habitats'.
According to the 'World Tourism Organization', 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions come from tourism-related activities.
To balance these competing interests, sustainable tourism practices must be implemented, such as eco-lodges, responsible wildlife viewing, and community-led conservation initiatives.
The MP will continue to lobby for the protection of the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal for future generations and plans to meet with the Canal and River Trust in Parliament soon to consider the next steps.
- bbc.com | Fears historic canal could start to run dry in days
- www.countytimes.co.uk | Powys canal could run dry due to new rules warns MP County Times
