THIS WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY, the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) is proud to announce the launch of a major new three-year climate action project. Thanks to National Lottery players, Troi’r Llanw/Turning the Tide has received £1,499,800 over three years from The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest community funder in the UK.
The project aims to normalise community led climate work, ensure marginalised voices shape environmental decisions, and help people feel empowered in the face of the climate crisis.
The project is led by the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) alongside Cwmpas, Youth Cymru, Mentrau Iaith Cymru, and Ethnic Minorities and Youth Support Team Wales (EYST).
A Wales-wide approach to community-led climate action
The project which directly links with this year’s World Environment Day theme (A Global Call for Climate Action), aims to influence community-led climate action by delivering a Wales-wide (bilingual) programme to promote climate action.
It will link community initiatives to share innovations and good practice, create and support a peer network of environmental champions, and disseminate results to inform Welsh and UK-level policy and practice.
To achieve this, partners will deliver an integrated programme of awareness raising, capacity building, co-production, and systems change approaches. It will also provide technical advice and tailored support, practical help for climate focused social enterprises, and an information and advice hub, while nurturing environmental champions and a learning network, hosting an annual gathering and learning conference, and driving evaluative research and policy engagement.
Ultimately the project aims to strengthen climate literacy and awareness, build capacity for action and support community led projects while promoting a just and fair transition to a more sustainable future. By sharing stories of successful local action, and encouraging policy dialogue, it will work to ensure that community perspectives influence decision makers.
The initiative aims to draw on the strengths and networks of its delivery partners to
reach target communities and guide people from everyday conversations to sustained climate action and wider policy impact.
This comes from the Climate Action Fund, a long-term commitment to support communities across the UK to act on climate change and involve more people in positive environmental action.
Over the next three years, the project will directly engage thousands of people across Wales, supporting communities in rural, urban and coastal areas, with a particular focus on those facing social, economic and environmental disadvantage enabling them to turn ideas into practical solutions – from community energy and food projects to skills development, nature recovery and low-carbon innovation.
Strong partnerships reaching diverse communities
Amanda Smith, Head of Learning and Education at CAT and Project Lead, said: “Troi’r Llanw / Turning the Tide, thanks to The National Lottery Community Fund, brings together the strengths of organisations across Wales to make climate action more accessible, relevant and achievable for everyone.
“At CAT, we are uniquely placed to lead this ambitious programme by bringing over 50 years of experience in climate education, community engagement and practical solutions, but we know that real change happens when we work in partnership. By combining our expertise with the deep community connections of our partners, we can reach a wider and more diverse range of people, supporting communities to build the knowledge, confidence and skills they need to turn ideas into lasting, local action.”
Through this project, CAT will provide strategic leadership, climate expertise, training and technical support – helping communities move from initial engagement to sustained, practical action.
Working in partnership alongside Cwmpas, Youth Cymru, Mentrau Iaith Cymru, and Ethnic Minorities and Youth Support Team Wales (EYST) will enable the project to reach communities right across Wales inspiring and enabling them to take practical, locally-led action on climate change – ensuring that those most affected by climate impacts are at the heart of the response.
Myfanwy Jones, Director of Mentrau Iaith Cymru said: “Mentrau Iaith Cymru is excited to be part of this important project to empower communities to take action for the climate. Stimulating Welsh-medium discussions in our communities is something Mentrau Iaith Cymru are passionate about. We look forward to fostering new partnerships through the project for the benefit of our communities.”
Bethan Webber, Chief Executive of Cwmpas said: “We are delighted to be part of the Troi’r Llanw / Turning the Tide project, working with our partners to reach communities across Wales and inspiring them to take practical, local-led action on climate change.
At Cwmpas, we believe everyone in Wales can help to build a fairer, greener economy and a more equal society. That is why it is so important that communities feel empowered to get involved, make decisions that reflect their local priorities, and take practical action, especially in response to the climate emergency and the need to reduce our carbon impact. We are proud to be a part of this project and look forward to supporting Welsh communities to turn their innovative ideas into meaningful action.”
Helal Uddin from Ethnic Minorities and Youth Support Team (EYST) said: “We are grateful to The National Lottery Community Fund and to the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) for this important opportunity to be part of the Troi’r Llanw / Turning the Tide partnership.
At EYST, we see every day how climate change and environmental challenges intersect with wider inequalities facing our communities. Through this project, we will work closely with young people, families and community groups across Wales to raise awareness, build skills and inspire action that is rooted in cultural values and community strengths.
By creating safe spaces for dialogue, delivering hands-on learning and supporting local environmental champions, we aim to ensure that those often underrepresented in climate conversations are not only included, but empowered to lead change in their communities. We believe it is all our responsibility to leave a positive environmental footprint and a lasting legacy for future generations.”
Together, these partners bring extensive grassroots networks, trusted relationships and deep expertise in working with communities who are often underrepresented in climate conversations. This collaborative approach ensures the project can meet people where they are, connecting climate action to everyday concerns such as jobs, energy costs, health and community wellbeing.
