THE BISHOP of Portsmouth the Rt Rev Kenneth Stevenson has praised Isle of Wight’s Eco-Island vision during a debate in the House of Lords.
Dr Stevenson who was one of the keynote speakers at the Isle of Wight’s Council-organised Eco-Island conference recently told the House that the Eco-Island project was the “most ambitious and laudable” that the Island had ever undertaken in its history.
Speaking in a debate about the importance of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty he said: “The dream of the Eco-Island project is that the Island will be self-sustaining by the year 2020, with, one hopes, the lowest carbon imprint in England. Becoming a world-renowned Eco-Island is about education, health and safety for the whole island and the AONBs play an important part in this.”
He added: “The symbiosis between the Eco-island project and AONBs is unique. There are so many AONBs and they are part of the project. If the project goes ahead, there will be a chance to test out ideas that could be used elsewhere, which makes it even more important. I am not talking just about Europe, but the rest of the world.”
The groundbreaking Eco-Island vision aims to see the Isle of Wight become self-sufficient in renewable electricity and with the country’s lowest carbon footprint by 2020.
At the same time, Eco-Island is about creating wealth and prosperity and raising aspirations and opportunities for young people in terms of educational and employment opportunities.
Last month’s Eco Island conference featured internationally renowned speakers including round the world yachtswoman Dame Ellen MacArthur who lives in Cowes on the Island and has become a passionate advocate of Eco-Island, celebrated architect Sir Terry Farrell who has been appointed the Isle of Wight’s design champion and Prof Bill Wakeham, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Southampton.
Isle of Wight Council leader David Pugh said: “Our Eco-Island agenda is attracting national recognition and it is immensely encouraging to know that the Bishop has drawn the House of Lords’ attention to our ambitious plans for the Isle of Wight, as this will no doubt raise awareness of what we are doing amongst government ministers and other interested parties alike.”
