National parks must be profitable as well as pretty, the rural affairs minister has said.

Speaking to the Association of National Park Authorities' annual conference in Brecon on Friday, Alun Michael said the landscapes must balance environmental priorities with the needs of rural communities.

Sustainable development can only be achieved if the parks can make money and integrate themselves with communities, the minister argued.

"National parks are well known for their natural heritage and their stunning landscapes," he said.

"They are a prime national asset which we must conserve.

"But conservation of itself is not enough; we want a living countryside, with thriving local economies.

"Sustainable development is a tough challenge for us all and we cannot say we have achieved sustainability unless the parks are viable economically and socially as well as environmentally."

Michael was also due to address the National Association of Local Councils annual conference in Cardiff on Friday.