A major new report, published on 22 September 2010, has shown that the historic environment adds about £840 million in value to the Welsh economy and helps support the equivalent of more than 30,000 full-time jobs.
The research, Valuing the Welsh Historic Environment, by ECOTEC Research and Consulting Ltd, shows that there are significant indirect benefits too by spurring investment and improving skills that enable more people to get work.
The historic environment’s direct contribution to the nation’s income is about £1.8 billion, mainly through tourism. Many visitors are attracted to Wales because of its historic attractions.
The report concludes that the historic environment is a valuable asset that must be actively cared for and promoted and that, once lost or forgotten, such assets can rarely be replaced.
A number of case studies included in the report show how social as well as economic benefits come about:
* Adapting historic buildings and offering high-quality settings can help regeneration.
* Protecting the historic environment contributes to the conservation of landscapes and habitats, whilst reducing carbon emissions.
* Conservation work offers a range of opportunities for volunteering and training.
* Making contact with the historic environment increases a sense of belonging and local pride.
The need for comprehensive research to evaluate the economic and social significance of the Welsh historic environment was identified by the Minister’s advisory Historic Environment Group of key stakeholder organizations and commissioned by the Valuing our Environment Partnership.
Full report: LINK
Summary: LINK
CADW News: LINK
