Community Pages

Making the links

The environment affects and is affected by every action we take in Cornwall. The impacts of business, tourism, development, farming and gardening all have to be considered within the community strategy process. With this in mind Environment Kernow (EK), a multi-agency stakeholder forum, has formed to ensure that the environment is a core element of the Cornwall Community Strategy and also of each community strategy.

How is this done?

By looking at each theme in turn, EK will develop actions, advice and guidance to facilitate all stakeholder groups in their plans. This will be done using a range of tools, resources, talks, presentations, web site, leaflets, etc.

The community strategy coordinator for EK works closely with all involved in the process, including organisations and groups who would not necessarily be associated with an environmental stakeholder forum. By building up partnerships, educating and discussing the environmental repercussions of people's actions, a positive network is being established. Relations with planners, industry, tourism, local communities and local authorities broaden and develop towards a joint vision of Cornwall becoming a centre for excellence in environmental sustainability.

Within the next year, EK will put into place the mechanisms for this work to be done. Projects in hospital wildlife gardens, green gyms,

community gardens and environmental enhancements will all be explored in 2003. Another priority will be to ensure that colleges, schools, and further education facilities incorporate sustainable issues into their courses, with an emphasis on tourism.

This role of facilitating, awareness raising and providing access to information will be vital for the community strategy process, as there is no extra money for the key partners to use. A co-ordinated approach to the environment in Cornwall will enable action groups to focus more and achieve more.

Emma Cook

For information and advice on environmental projects please contact Emma Cook on (01872) 245513
or e-mail emmac@cec.gb.com


Above. The Trust supports events for the old and young - including budding young mammal detectives.
Photo: Kate Stokes

Right. Brian Stringer leads a Parish Project survey meeting at home with local volunteers
Photo:
CWT Launceston Group