Regional Sustainable Development Frameworks: the SW England experience

Transcription

1 Regional Sustainable Development Frameworks: the SW England experience Jeff Ligo, Chair of the RSDF Steering Group (and Sustainability South West Associate)

2 Outline of presentation The original Regional Sustainable Development Framework (RSDF) The development of the Sustainability Shaper How to use the Shaper Conclusions

3 Sustainability South West Who we are: the Regional Champion Body for sustainable development in the South West of England with around 25 members What we do: partnership projects; sustainability assessments of regional strategy and policy; bespoke sustainability tools, workshops/events/facilitation; lobbying; communications; coordinating the RSDF

4 Background to UK RSDFs Government asked the 9 English regions to prepare RSDFs in 1999 SSW was commissioned by Government Office SW to prepare the SW RSDF A partnership of key regional agencies The RSDF does not belong to any single agency but to the region as a whole adopted by Regional Assembly March 2001

5 The original RSDF Primary guidance for the region s SD principles and priorities An appraisal framework for strategy/policy/ plans (eg regional economic, woodlands, food & farming strategies; EU SD strategy) Included: principles, themes with objectives, proposed headline indicators

6 2005: Fitness-for-purpose review Commissioned by regional agencies and informed by: Changing UK policy context Securing the Future Changing regional strategy context Research on the effectiveness of RSDFs The results of around 50 stakeholder interviews Fit for Purpose? Reviewing the effectiveness of the sustainable development framework for the South West of England September 2005

7 Conclusions/recommendations Update in line with Securing the Future Address the SW s particular issues/priorities Develop as practical and accessible tool Raise profile with decision-makers and leaders Make more action oriented Promote integration and help resolve incompatibilities Deliver awareness-raising programmes Prioritise objectives and adopt short, medium and long term targets

8 RSDF Steering Group Convened in 2006 with representatives from key regional agencies and local networks Wider stakeholder network also established Trial of prototype website autumn 2006

9 Our new RSDF: introducing the Sustainability Shaper New web-based decision-making tool launched January 2007 Hosts the SW s Sustainability Mission: People in the South West of England choose to live, work and prosper within environmental limits, pursuing justice and well-being and valuing diversity & distinctiveness

10 National SD principles & priorities From Securing the Future: The UK Government s Sustainable Development Strategy (March 2005) Living Within Environmental Limits Ensuring a Strong, Healthy and Just Society Sustainable consumption & production Climate Change and Energy Achieving a Sustainable Economy Promoting Good Governance Using Sound Science Responsibly Natural Resources Protection & Environmental Enhancement Sustainable Communities

11 Shaper operating principles Develop sustainability learning and skills Explain and promote the what, why and how of sustainability and develop systemic thinking, professional skills and leadership to support sustainable solutions Improve physical and mental well-being Reduce health inequalities by supporting: healthy, balanced lifestyles; healthy homes and workplaces; clean, safe and green environments; and supportive and inclusive communities Improve equality in meeting basic needs Reduce inequalities (prioritising those who are most in need) in access to: decent and affordable housing; essential goods & services; an adequate income; and safe and satisfying employment, learning and leisure opportunities Be resource wise Cut consumption of resources and adopt high energy, water and resource efficiency at home and at work; maximise the use of local, renewable energy; minimise waste and prevent pollution Support thriving low carbon economies Boost competitiveness, business markets and employment opportunities by supporting a low carbon approach to innovation, enterprise and economic development in ways which meet local workforce needs

12 Reduce high carbon travel Use, promote and plan for low carbon access/travel eg walking & cycling, home-working, mobile services, ICT/videoconferencing, online facilities, local multi-service centres, demand-responsive public transport and alternative fuels Use local and ethical goods & services Use locally and ethically sourced goods and services - and strengthen local/regional supply chains - to boost our local economies and support people in other parts of the world Enhance local distinctiveness & diversity including biodiversity Protect and enhance our natural environment & biodiversity and culture & heritage and celebrate diversity and distinctiveness Help everyone to join in public decision-making Support wider, more informed participation in public and community decision-making to foster citizenship and involve people in the solutions to local and global challenges Take a long term approach Take into account the needs of future generations including mitigating and adapting to climate change. Ensure the genuine sustainability and success of what you do by pursuing integrated, lasting 'win-win-win' outcomes for society, the economy and the environment.

13 The Shaper in action! A sustainability appraisal guide regional strategies, policy, plans Informing strategic planning (regional agencies) A sustainability guide for all the SW s sectors Supporting SSW s work with local authorities Used by community groups

14 Conclusions RSDF to be developed to inform proposals for our region to adopt a new Single Regional Strategy An integrated approach is crucial to delivering a region that can be resilient in the face of 21 st Century challenges Only sustainable development now offers the holistic approach we need for a safe and secure future

15 Jeff Ligo Sustainability South West 2 Rivergate Temple Quay Bristol BS1 6EH UK