The Sustainability and Environment Forum are asking communities and individuals to come forward with any ideas they have for environmental projects that could be developed in the Western Isles.

The SEF is currently developing a strategy and action plan for future work and a key plank of this will be to support the development of environment projects.

The Chairperson of the SEF, Robert Weymss explains

“Projects that originate at a grass roots level are just the sort of thing that the SEF wishes to support.  Whilst we do not have sources of funding to offer financial packages we hope to be able to support projects by acting as a sponsor and working with the wide range of organisations that are represented on the partnership.”

If you have a project or idea that you would like the SEF to sponsor please contact Helen Mackenzie, Internal Strategy Co-ordinator 01851-709433 or hpitts@cne-siar.gov.uk

SUSTAINABILITY AND ENVIRONMENT FORUM

A new partnership has been established in the Western Isles to promote sustainability.  The Sustainability and Environment Forum, the SEF, has been given the remit to set targets to ensure  development in the Western Isles is sustainable and to promote sustainable employment opportunities and projects in the environment sector.

The forum will be seeking to

•                       Raise the profile & awareness of environmental issues
•                       Attract flagship projects to the islands
•                       Stimulate activity through award schemes

Speaking at the SEF meeting in early November 2005, Chairman of the SEF, Bob Wemyss said

“The forum hopes to portray sustainability as something that can make a positive approach to the development of the Western Isles.  Sustainability should not be an abstract term but something that applies to everyone.  As we go about our daily lives in the home, in business or while travelling about, we need to be aware that what we do has an impact on our environment and natural resources.  If we are to hand over to future generations a natural heritage that is beneficial to them then we have to minimise our impact on the environment.  Sustainability has the added benefit of improving the quality of life generally and reducing waste and costs.   The Forum also has the remit for promoting activity in the environment sector and we feel that there are many ways in which the islands can make sustainable use of the natural resources and environmental advantages that we have over other areas.”

The forum will meet 5-6 times a year and comprises representatives of the following partners:

•               Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
•               Communities Scotland
•               Fisheries Trust
•               Harris Council for Voluntary Service
•               Local Biodiversity Action Plan Steering Group
•               Lews Castle College
•               Northern Constabulary
•               Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
•               Scottish Water
•               Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department
•               Scottish Environment Protection Agency
•               Scottish Natural Heritage
•               The Energy Advice Service
•               Tighean Innse Gall
•               Uist Council for Voluntary Organisations
•               Voluntary Action Barra and Vatersay
•               Voluntary Action Lewis
•               Volunteer Centre
•               Western Isles Enterprise
•               Western Isles NHS Board
•               Western Isles Youth Council

The forum hopes to involve members of the community in many different ways as its work plan develops.

 Further information from Helen Mackenzie 01851 709433

Nigel Scott
Communications Officer
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

Tel: 01851 709389 (Work)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk