This strategy was added to the Community Strategy 2006-2008 and has been carried forward into Eco Island.

The Environment Forum has been an informal grouping of the Island’s main organisations concerned with sustainability and the natural environment. As Eco Island develops, the Forum and it’s members are taking a more formal and influential role in the Island Strategic Partnership and the Eco Island Strategy.

The Isle of Wight is internationally recognised for the quality of its environment, countryside and coast. Seventy-five percent of the Island is designated for its natural beauty and wildlife, bringing it into the top three best areas in the South-east of England for environmental quality and biodiversity. The Island has a rich historic environment and strong cultural heritage. The Island’s countryside is highly valued by residents and visitors alike as a place to live, work, play and relax. The Isle of Wight Walking Festival and the IW Council’s Countryside Walks programme have helped focus minds each year to the quality and beauty of the Island’s rural areas and an appreciation for those who look after them.

Climate Change is widely acknowledged to be the most serious problem facing mankind in the early 21^st century. The need for action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is urgent and all communities have a role to play. Primarily this requires a reduction in the amount of energy we all consume and greater investment in renewable forms of energy. Carbon reduction offers the opportunity for businesses to reduce overheads and to develop low carbon technologies. We must also understand the impacts of climate change and inevitable sea level rises and begin to plan our adaptation to the changing weather patterns.

Rural communities have been under increasing strain, however, as harsh economic factors have prevented the retention of local young people in their communities and increased the decline in local services and facilities. Initiatives such as the Farmers Market and the Island Food and Craft Association (IFCA) are successfully looking at the promotion of local produce and the diversification of the rural economy. The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust and Island 2000 Trust are also working with farmers and landowners, giving help and advice in becoming more environmentally friendly. It is the rural communities that sustain the countryside we know and love and their vitality that is important to the future management of the natural environment. The sustainable regeneration of these communities, providing for local employment and community facilities is a priority for the Community Strategy.

The Island’s ecological footprint shows that the Island consumes two and a half times its share of natural resources. This is clearly unsustainable and has a profound impact on the environment that we value so highly. It is important that everyone considers their lifestyle choices - the style of transport we use, the way we use energy, water and other natural resources such as aggregates and our attitudes to waste and recycling. The Footprint Trust is working with schools, the public and the voluntary sector to seek ways of reducing the footprint of the Island. It is also important that the decisions made by planners, developers, local authorities and utilities and others help us to make positive lifestyle choices. The Sustainable Community Strategy will promote a way of steering the Island on a more sustainable course that takes into account the effects of climate change, relative sea level rise, the need to conserve and enhance the Island’s natural environment, the need to reduce our consumption of resources and the importance of sustainable rural communities.

• The countryside and coast of the Island are the things residents like most about the Island
• Many businesses choose the Island because of its beautiful countryside and high quality of life.
• Tourism based on the Island’s landscape and heritage is an important contribution to the rural economy and to the Island’s economic regeneration.
• Traffic congestion is becoming an increasing problem in Newport at peak times throughout the year.
• The membership of local conservation groups on the Island, such as the Wildlife Trust, RSPB, Friends of the Earth and National Trust is increasing.

We will create an island in which the needs of the people and the economy are met without detriment to the global or local environment

We will achieve this by:

• Ensuring a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and the use of natural resources
• Conserving and enhancing the natural environment and responding to the risks of climate change
• Encouraging sustainable rural communities through a thriving rural economy

• Isle of Wight Council to sign the Nottingham Declaration on Climate Change
• Reduced fares for older people and students are increasing the use of public transport
• Local people are improving their natural environments through volunteering initiatives eg Green Gym
• The Hants & IW Wildlife Trust, and the Island 2000 Trust`s Isle of Wight Land Care Project, are helping farmers carry out environmentally friendly farming through agri-environment schemes
• Landscape management is being delivered through the AONB Management Plan, Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) and the Historic Environment Action Plan (HEAP).
• Rates for diversion of domestic waste from landfill are amongst the highest in the country
• Green Island Awards are making the Island a focus for eco-tourism
• The Centre for the Coastal Environment is leading an EU LIFE project on ‘Responding to the risks of climate change’ and an international conference on ‘Landslides and climate change’ will take place on the Island in May 2007
• The Footprint Trust are helping households reduce their energy and water use by giving away thousands of energy saving light bulbs and save-a-flush bags
• B&Q have produced an environmental policy and green travel plan for their store at St Mary’s

• Use water wisely and conserve energy at home and work
• Buy local food and products and use local services and community facilities
• Get actively involved in conserving the countryside by volunteering
• Try using public transport for one day a week
• Install renewable energy systems on your home
• Reduce waste and re-use and recycle whenever possible
• Report pollution incidents

• Encourage Eco-homes Excellent standards and facilitate sustainable construction practices
• Increase the installation of renewable energy systems
• Encourage greater energy and water efficiency and waste minimisation
• Increase recycling of industrial and commercial waste and the local use of recovered materials
• Encourage local production and consumption, including local food networks
• Conserve and enhance the quality of the natural, historic and built environment
• Reduce emissions of greenhouse gases
• Develop plans for adaptation to climate change
• Increase awareness of environmental issues amongst the wider community.

The members of the Environment Forum are engaged in a great deal of activity. This includes:

• Launching the Warmahomes project in April 2008. This will assist those on low income gain access to grants for insulation and guidance on reducing energy bills. This will reduce fuel poverty and reduce carbon emissions. Funded by Big Lottery.
• Running the Adopt-A-Garden scheme to encourage people without gardens to adopt elderly neighbour's garden and share the produce.
• This will reduce food miles and improve community relations. Funded by Anchor Staying Put, iW Charitable Trust and the Footprint Trust.
• Supporting Green Gym - whereby local people give up time to create wildlife habitats and get fit at the same time. This will improve biodiversity and assist endangered Island animals such as Great Crested Newts and Dormice. Funded by the Footprint Trust and landowners.
• Supporting the IW Pond Wardens and River Wardens, who look after wetland habitats and educate the public on caring for wildlife ponds etc. Funded by the Footprint Trust.
• Attending major Island events giving away low energy lamps and save-a-flush bags. This will reduce water usage and reduce energy consumption. Funded by the Footprint Trust.
• Promoting the Real World Trust's Storeroom project, which reclaims and distributes tonnes of furniture. Diverting from landfill to people on low income. Funded by IW Council and Real World Trust.
• Holding a ' Future Energy event' in winter 2008 to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency in the home. Funded by Footprint Trust and other bodies.
• Holding 'Isle Cut Carbon' events throughout the year - focussing on different practical things people can do. Funded by Footprint Trust.
• With the RCC promote the Lifeshare scheme http://www.liftshare.org/uk along with other RCC transport initiatives.Funded by IW RCC.
• Promoting recycling initiatives to householders and businesses.Funded by Footprint Trust.
• Carrying out Eco-Audits in schools involving pupils- encouraging schools to join up to the international Eco-Schools initiative. see http://www.eco-schools.org.uk/ Funded by Earnest Cook Trust, IW AONB and Footprint Trust.
• Supporting the Big Green Picnic and other similar events.
• Seeking to reduce the size and the amount of leaflets we produce. We will be using postcards rather than leaflets, adverts in local magazines, recycled pens with our website on etc.
• Adverts at Cineworld promoting a green message to customers. This is being made by media students at the IW College, funded by the Footprint Trust.
• Helping landowners, farm managers and farmers to carry out environmentally friendly farming and woodland managment through promoting good practice and giving advice on grant aid.
• Carry out walks and events aimed at Isle of Wight families and children, including visits to Island schools, to help Island residents and visitors to appreciate the natural world.
• Own and manage six nature reserves with local volunteers, contractors and staff.
• Work with national agencies, local interest groups and individuals to protect and enhance our Island flora and fauna including red squirrels, common dormouse, water voles, heathland and woodland.

There are a significant number of local and national environmental organisations working on the Isle of Wight, promoting and working for environmental and social sustainability. The work of a few organisations is set out above. The Eco Island website will be developing a significant section that will focus on environmental action by partners in the public,privarte and voluntary sectors. If you think your organisation's work should be added to the Eco Island website, please contact info@eco-island.org.uk.