What can local parish, town and community councils do to help create a sustainable environment?
This was the subject of a recent meeting organised by the Isle of Wight Association of Local Councils (IWALC). Participants included Cllr Jonathan Bacon, Cabinet member for the Environment and himself a parish councillor, who welcomed participants and introduced the presenters.
Promoting and sustaining biological and cultural diversity
The first presentation, by Ian Boyd of Arc Consulting, was on the implications of the Island’s designation as a UNESCO Biosphere reserve. Ian explained that the aim is to promote and sustain both biological and cultural diversity. He emphasised the role of local councils in doing this.
He said,
“It’s all about a sense of place, each part of the Island is different and our 33 local councils are the ideal vehicle for promoting and supporting this sense of local identity.”
Practical actions of Mission Zero explained
The second presentation was by Rob Sauven, a local consultant in renewable energy who is taking a key role in helping to drive forward the IW Council’s new Climate Change and Environment Strategy.
Rob introduced the Strategy, known as Mission Zero, and explained the practical actions being taken to promote and implement it. He spoke passionately about the need for change in all aspects of the Island’s way of life.
He said,
“It takes an area four times the size of the Isle of Wight to support our current lifestyle, this is obviously unsustainable.”
Future Isle of Wight CIC
This was followed by a presentation by Vince Wedlock-Ward, a Wroxall parish councillor and director of a community interest company (CIC) called Future Isle of Wight, which helps people access funding to improve the energy efficiency of their homes.
He explained how his company is about to launch an ECO4 funded scheme, which will help thousands of Island homes reduce their energy bills from August this year.
He said,
“In this way, we can reduce carbon emissions and take people out of fuel poverty at the same time.”
Ventnor Town Council’s Environment and Sustainability Forum
The final presentation was by Ventnor Town Councillors, Julie Hutchison and Steve Cooper. They described how Ventnor Town Council has established an Environment and Sustainability Forum, which meets monthly to consider ways in which the Council can promote environmental sustainability.
They encouraged other councils to take similar action.
Conyers: Of fundamental importance to future generations
The subsequent discussion focused on the need to increase awareness among all sectors of the Island’s population and the role of local councils in so doing.
IWALC Chair, Diana Conyers said,
“This is of fundamental importance, not only to us but more importantly to future generations of Islanders.
“We will be encouraging all our members to put this on the agenda of their next meeting.”
In conclusion, Rob Sauven urged participants to envisage what a carbon-free world would look like. He said,
“Imagine what a wonderful place it would be!”
News shared by Jill on behalf of Isle of Wight Association of Local Councils. Ed
