MONMOUTHSHIRE has been represented on the world stage as part of COP30 in Brazil.

Leader of the county council, Mary Ann Brocklesby, appeared remotely at the event, alongside six schools' pupils from Monmouthshire.

The appearance came as part of the COP 30 event ‘From Forest Roots to Global Action: Grassroots and Youth Alliances for a Deforestation-Free Future.

This was a chance for policymakers and young people from Wales to join with indigenous leaders from the Wampís Nation (Peru) and Guraní People (Brazil) to explore how grassroots action can tackle global deforestation.

This event highlighted the critical role of tropical forests, the impact of Wales’ overseas land footprint and how small nations can drive systemic change.

In partnership with Size of Wales, a Welsh climate change charity, participants discussed how to tackle deforestation at home and overseas in meaningful partnership with Indigenous Peoples.

Monmouthshire pupils shared how they learned about which product can contribute to deforestation and then worked with the council to introduce changes to the school meals menu and encourage the council to sign a Deforestation Free Charter.

The event demonstrated how relatively small countries, such as Wales, can play a catalytic role in tackling international deforestation, both by supporting Indigenous-led innovation abroad and by promoting systemic change at home.

Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesby said: “It was an honour to be able to represent Monmouthshire at such a high-profile event.

“The challenge posed by climate change is the greatest facing the world and is one we need to work together to combat, and our tropical forests are crucial for storing carbon.

“It was inspiring to see young people from Wales engaging in such an important dialogue with people on the other side of the world who will be immediately affected by the choices the rest of the world makes.”