Launch of the Environment Strategy
18.03.2009
Neath Port Talbot Council in partnership with the NPT Environment Forum is embarking on a three way drive to help people focus on the environment.
Council Leader Derek Vaughan with Environment Strategy Officer Natalie Aylott at the launch of the Strategy
Council Leader Derek Vaughan with Environment Strategy Officer Natalie Aylott at the launch of the Strategy
Council Leader Derek Vaughan with Environment Strategy Officer Natalie Aylott at the launch of the Strategy
Council Leader, Councillor Derek Vaughan is backing the campaign which will lead to a greener and healthier environment in Neath Port Talbot.
He said: "Our environment is the most important asset we have and is essential to our daily lives. However we are now beginning to understand the impact that is being created as a result of our increasing pressure on the environment.
The three projects in the drive are the Environment Strategy, a major document which looks at all aspects of life in the county borough and provides a vision of the future, The NPT Green Map which highlights green issues from Blue Flag beaches to Fair-trade cafes and shops and a new website for the NPT Environment Forum which was launched in 2004.
The Environment Strategy is the first such document produced by the authority and follows two years of partnership working and a 12 week public consultation process.
In five major sections it considers the natural environment, the built environment, transport and travel, environmental responsibility and environmental quality.
Nothing is ignored in the document which looks at such diverse issues as nappies, junk mail, energy and composting. And there are specific actions which will be targeted during the life of the document which will be updated annually.
The Neath Port Talbot Environment Forum was set-up as a partnership group to promote and champion the Environment section of the NPT Community Plan 2005-15 and the delivery of environmental advice and information across Neath Port Talbot.
The Forum's members work in schools, businesses, organisations and local government and all have an interest in improving the environment of Neath Port Talbot.
NPT Environment Forum meets quarterly and its aim is to share best practice and provide networking opportunities. It is also funded by the Local Authority and the Countryside Council for Wales to undertake projects in the Borough.
Membership is open to individuals, businesses and organisations interested or actively involved in environmental work in Neath Port Talbot.
Finally the Green Map will highlight nature reserves, Blue Flag beaches, local activities, green activities, recycling centres and charity shops as well as a wide range of green tourism opportunities.
Councillor Vaughan added: "We hope these three projects will help residents, visitors and businesses in the county borough to better understand their environmental impact and to find information on things to do, places to go and information on what they can do at home to save money and the environment."
See: www.npt.gov.uk/greener