An ambitious plan to develop the Isle of Man into a beacon of sustainable living was officially launched on Tuesday.
The EcoVannin initiative, a joint venture between environmental groups, local businesses and Government departments, aims to encourage cooperation and long-term planning to preserve the environment and achieve sustainable economic growth.
EcoVannin has been granted one year’s funding from the Manx Lottery Trust, enabling them to recruit co-ordinators Cat Turner and Wendy Shimmin.
The initiative is led by a steering group that includes environmental groups Zero Waste Mann, Isle of Man Friends of the Earth and the Manx Energy Advice Centre alongside representatives of the Department for Economic Development (DED), the Department for Environment, Food and Agriculture and the Manx Utilities Authority.
Introducing the idea to representatives of businesses, charities and members of Tynwald at the launch event, Muriel Garland, chair of the steering group, compared their task with the rescue of Manx gaelic from the verge of extinction.
She said: ‘Just as the Manx language has been transformed over the last 60 years, I think that sustainability that balances economic, environmental and social aspects could be achieved in the next 60 years.’
Graham Cregeen MHK, who is responsible for energy and the clean tech sector within DED, said: ‘Work on ensuring the island’s environmental sustainability is by no means new - EcoVannin simply provides a mechanism for NGOs, Government, business and the community to work together.
‘We’re entirely supportive of these aims and look forward to co-operating on a range of meaningful, material projects in the coming year.’
The group’s priorites have divided into eight categories: business, energy, food, the environment, transport, media and Government.
Each category, known as a workstream, will be managed separately by a team of experts and volunteers.
The steering group would like to hear from anyone who might be able to contribute their time or expertise to any of these categories.
More information on EcoVannin can be found at www.ecovannin.com or email ecovannin@gmail.com