THE North East environment is widely recognised as one of its greatest assets with its high quality wildlife, landscapes, heritage and culture.
May 20 2008 by Karen Wilson, The Journal
To that end the North East Environment Forum has published the North East Strategy for the Environment (NESE) that celebrates the region’s environmental assets and will assist in the region having a clean, healthy and diverse environment, valued by people and businesses, now and into the future.
Minister for the North East, Nick Brown said: “ Although it is not a statutory document, it’s an important part of the overall strategy for our region. It sets out for the first time our environmental priorities.”
The North East Environment Forum is recognised as the regional cross-sector voice for the environment of the North East.
Richard Hall, chair of the Forum said: “NESE quite correctly highlights the North East environment as one of the best amongst English regions. The strategy looks for ways to protect and enhance our region’s environmental assets. It also emphasises the need for us to develop sustainable solutions by forging stronger links between the region’s economy and our environment.”
The document sets out ways in which the region can protect and enhance its environment while continuing to close the north south economic divide through four broad themes:
Sustainable communities – how the environment and cultural assets contribute towards better places to live and work in.
Resource management – making best use of our resources.
Environmental infrastructure – securing key natural, physical and cultural assets and realising their potential.
Integration – action to meet the region’s environmental objectives while also achieving social and economic benefits.
NESE is published at a time when climate change and environmental concerns have perhaps never been higher on the political and social agenda. Current news stories are around wild honey bees and other species loss. NESE urges the region to adopt more resource efficient products and processes and to make better use of our natural resources. It also stresses the need to plan so that we can adapt to climate.
Andy Bunten RSPB Regional Director North East said: “The North East Environment Forum will continue to address the key environmental challenges the Region faces and contribute vigorously to debate in the region.
“Getting our approach to the environment right is not a luxury; it is a necessity. This is a message we will be making clear in the current debate around the Review of SubNational Economic Development and Regeneration and proposals for a single Regional Strategy. A single Regional Strategy will be a powerful tool, but only if it genuinely embraces the quality of life for all of us in the region and recognises the vital role a healthy environment plays in this.”
An electronic version of the strategy is available from www.onenortheast.co.uk
