 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
HomeNews & updatesIntroductionMembershipWays of workingMeetingsConsultationsReportsFocus GroupsLinks |
Planning for one planet: widening the application of environmental limits is now available to download.
Environmental limits is an aim commonly shared by government, business and public sectors at many levels, as well as the wider public and voluntary organisations. This research examines and develops the concept of what is meant by environmental limits in this context, and explores its practical applications so as to promote sustainability.
The approach adopted involved various bodies from the South West Region. The ideas and work presented here were developed in close association with the South West Regional Development Agency and other partners in the SW Regional Environmental Network, particularly the Federation of Small Businesses and South West Tourism who provided case studies (we also grateful to the RDA for some financial assistance).
This report has a South West regional focus but has considered its findings in the context of both regional and national initiatives. The implications of the report’s conclusions are national in scope and potential application.
Environmental limits are used by the Environment Agency in regulatory scenarios, to establish baseline criteria of acceptable environmental performance. However, the scientific underpinning of regulation is only one potential use of the methodology. This report explores the wider use of environmental limits in non-regulatory frameworks such as local, regional and national economic and social planning, self-regulation and trade association initiatives.
It identifies the need for a framework of limit characterisation and an associated Environmental Limits Management Matrix that would allow non-regulatory bodies to access and use scientific methods and information already held by the Environment Agency during the early stages of a consultative process.
The survey revealed that there is much interest in but little knowledge of environmental limits and their role in the wider community and concludes that:
A monthly guide to what's going on in the South West Regional Development Agency that affects the rural environment in the South West. This edition includes information on
More information about the Rural Development Programme for England is available here
The Environment Kernow Envirolimits report is now available to download.
The Enviro-limits project has three key aims:
For the economy and population of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly to develop and grow there must be an understanding of its current position in terms of resources, limitations and environmental impacts. This information can be sued to make accurate and informed strategic decisions through techniques such as scenario modelling. It is prudent that this method for progress is adopted given the challenges posed by resource use and climate change.
The key findings of the project are:
Never before has local government had such an opportunity to work with business, regulatory bodies, NGOs and the third sector to secure the future of the County through reducing impact on the environment. This opportunity can only be realised if there is investment to ensure sufficiently high quality information to make accurate, credible and secure critical decisions for the future.
A
movement of the people - community climate action in the South West (Friends
of the Earth, 2007) reports on the findings of a survey of community
action on climate change in the region carried out by Friends of the
Earth during September 2007.
The impetus of this survey was the South West Regional Assembly declaration on climate change in March 2007 and the decision to draw up a South West Climate Change Action Plan.
Key findings include:
The scale and breadth of this activity shows how great is the public’s appetite for positive action on climate change. It should encourage all South West politicians to show leadership and put their weight behind a strong Climate Bill.
This report sets out the results of a scoping exercise undertaken by the Regional Envirornment Network (REN) considering how the refresh of Our Environment Our Future – The Regional Strategy for the South West Environment (REnvS) might be undertaken.
A
new RSPB publication Climate
Change: Wildlife & Adaptation: 20 Questions & Answers is now
available to download.
Many species won’t adapt quickly enough unless we help them - now’s the time for far-reaching action to help wildlife adapt to climate change. This new document provides a coherent set of answers to the questions that many concerned about the natural environment ask when it comes to birds, biodiversity and climate pressures.
Download the document from the RSPB website (PDF - 1932kb)
A Report on a survey of stakeholders’ perceptions and opinions of the SW Regional Environment Strategy is now available to download.
REN accepted from Regional Assembly the task of outlining options for the refresh of Our Environment:Our Future and REN will be reporting these to the Regional Futures Group of Assembly in early September.
A Task and Finish Group has been established to develop a REN view and produce a report for the Assembly. Ralph Mackridge was commissioned by the Group to undertake a telephone and on-line survey of stakeholders. The report of the survey findings is now available on the REN website. The Task and Finish group now have the job of turning this research into the appropriate options. A draft options paper will be circulated to the REN network (August 6th) for comments back (15th August) with the Task Group meeting (20th August) to make any amendments and sign off report to Assembly by 23rd August. Assembly RFG meets 6th September.
For more details contact David Dixon via ddixon@dartmoor-npa.gov.uk
The State of the South West's
Environment 2006 is now available to download.
The South West is a great place to live and visit. We all enjoy a high
quality of life that is closely related to our diverse and beautiful environment.
But what do we actually know about the state of our environment, the pressures
upon these and the underlying trends?
Whether you’re an environmental expert or just plain interested,
the State of the South West’s Environment 2006 summary report has
information and analysis that’s relevant. The report is written
in conjunction with many environmental organisations throughout the region
led by the Environment Agency South West region. We have gathered together
an independent view of our environment. It highlights how the way we live
and work impacts on our land, water, atmosphere and wildlife.
Looking across local, regional, national trends and current state, this
report reflects an improved understanding of the environmental regulations
in place and the technology to hand to help us all monitor the position
and trends here in the South West.
Almost all aspects have made significant environmental improvements over
the last decade with our river and bathing water quality amongst the highest
in the country. We are also taking more care over what we throw away,
with household recycling increasing by over 40% since 1996/1997. However,
there is no room for complacency as we continue to put pressure on our
natural resources.
You can now download a summary of the region's environment in 2006 as a powerpoint presentation. These slides reveal key facts about the chapters identified above as well as information on state of the environment reporting and other facilities available from the South West Observatory Environment module.
The RSPB now produces a quarterly electronic newsletter with news about farmland birds (research projects, conservation action, etc), agri-environment schemes, and views from land management practitioners and others. It will be of interest to farmers and other land managers, land management advisers, policy-makers and conservationists.
Content includes:
Download
the summer 2005 edition
South West Cohesion Programme: report from the environment working group (draft)
A draft paper which will be presented to the Cohesion working group on the 12th May 2005. Comments are still welcome, please contact Donna.
The
Climate is Changing - time to get ready is the Environment Agency's
first national report on climate change. It reveals how the environment
and quality of life in England and Wales will be affected by climate change
and highlights the need to adapt now. Copies of the report and associated
information are available via the link.
Household
Growth and Water Supply to 2030. This study by the
Environment Agency takes data provided in water company plans and models
the consequences for public water supplies of accelerating the rate of
household growth across the region by up to 50% above current rates.
The
South West Regional Environment Strategy Our
Environment: Our Future A Regional Strategy for the South West's Environment
was launched in 2004.
If we want to continue to enjoy a high quality environment and high quality of life in the South West, we need to protect our environmental assets, improve our management and stewardship of these assets, and invest in their enhancement for the future.
The Regional Assembly and SW REN believe this is critical for the long-term sustainable development of the South West and have produced the 1st ever Regional Strategy for the environment, to provide focus for co-ordinated regional action on the environment.
