Sustainable development: seminars will explore the challenges
| Sustainable development: seminars will explore the challenges | |
| 27 July 2006 A series of seminars involving leading figures will explore the challenges and opportunities of sustainable development in the Highlands and Islands, concluding with a discussion chaired by journalist and broadcaster Lesley Riddoch. The series is being funded by Highlands and Islands Enterprise and organised as a joint venture by four partners in UHI Millennium Institute – Inverness-based UHI PolicyWeb, which researches policy issues affecting rural and island regions; the Centre for Mountain Studies at Perth College UHI; Lews Castle College UHI on the Isle of Lewis, and the Sustainable Development Research Centre in Forres. It aims to raise awareness of the main sustainable development issues for the area, and how local organisations intend to respond. Archie Prentice, HIE sustainable development and environment manager, said: “Unsustainable development across the world is changing habitats and climates, overexploiting resources and creating pollution. If current patterns continue, damage to the natural world will accelerate. "At the same time, we have witnessed dramatic economic and social progress, two of the important principles of sustainable development. Life expectancy is improving, education is more widely available and economic opportunities create inclusion and prospects that previous generations would have only dreamed about. “ Development economist Professor John Bryden, director of UHI PolicyWeb, added: “The Highlands and Islands have had a greater reliance on environment-based industries like farming, fishing and forestry, and renewable energy production, than other parts of Scotland. Our well-known landscapes, culture and archaeology form a part of the quality of life which helps to retain and attract residents as well as providing important resources for tourism and recreation. “In more recent decades, the area has witnessed a growing population and economy. “What are the challenges in maintaining this growth, in an economically, socially, culturally and environmentally sustainable manner, against a background of dynamic external change? And what are the new opportunities emerging which we can take advantage of?” Nine speakers - including Professor James Curran, one of the country’s foremost experts on climate change, and head of environmental strategy at the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) – have agreed to present their thoughts and visions. First up, on 28th September, will be Richard Wakeford, head of environment and rural affairs at the Scottish Executive, who will give an overview of sustainable rural Scotland, and share his thoughts on achieving a sustainable economy. Three main themes will be addressed at the seminars – achieving a sustainable economy, living within environmental limits, and ensuring a strong, healthy and just society. The lunchtime series at the UHI executive office in Inverness starts in September and ends on 29th June next year with the discussion forum led by journalist and broadcaster Lesley Riddoch. Video conferencing facilities are also being made available through UHI, a specialist in the use of information technology. Professor Curran will give his lecture, elaborating on SEPA perspectives, on 27th October. Other speakers have been confirmed as:
Anyone interested in participating in one or more of the seminars can find out more and register here Note: Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. | |