Packed AGM!
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Packed AGM! |
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Become a member of ecodyfi by joining our team of talented and voluntary development workers and catalysts. Help conserve our environment and improve our quality of life |
Community regeneration group ecodyfi presented some of their achievements and plans at a packed Annual General Meeting recently.Nearly 50 people heard about work being undertaken with local partners to stimulate the local economy and bring people together. Tourism Officer Teresa Walters explained how the new Climach-x mountain biking trail is bringing new business to places like the Braich Goch Bunkhouse at Corris and given local enthusiasts the confidence to open a bunkhouse and second bike shop in Machynlleth. This European-funded project, carried out by Dyfi Mountain Biking with ecodyfi support, has already created 6 jobs in local accommodation, catering and specialist services. ecodyfi is seeking funds to follow this up with a training programme in trail-building skills that will create a small extension to the route. Former Ceredigion MP Simon Thomas praised the group for getting local people involved in global issues such as climate change. He urged members not to fall into the trap of doing nothing just because the problem seems so big. "If we all do our bit it will make a difference," he said. In the face of what he called "our biggest challenge," Mr Thomas suggested using our consumer power to pressure big business, our vote to pressure Government and our voice to educate each other. He argued for an aviation fuel tax and for more tax incentives favouring fuel-efficient vehicles. Referring to the local legend of Cantre'r Gwaelod, he said we are all watch-keepers against the flood. Ann MacGarry of the Centre for Alternative Technology led a lively discussion about the effects our lifestyle choices have on the planet, using a monitoring tool called the Ecological Footprint. This uses land area as an indicator, and shows that if everybody lived like the average Welsh person, we would need nearly three planets to support us. Since we only have one planet, ecodyfi and CAT are planning to use this tool to help people make better informed choices. Subjects like buying local food, air travel and wastage of materials and energy will all come under the microscope. Copies of ecodyfi's Newsletter and Annual Review, plus minutes of the AGM are available from Ty Bro Ddyfi at 52 Heol Maengwyn in Machynlleth and on our reports page. Notes for Editorsecodyfi is the community regeneration group for the Dyfi Valley. It pays particular attention to strengthening the local economy through careful stewardship of natural and cultural resources. It is managed by a Board of 17 local people and is supported by the Welsh Development Agency and Environment Wales. The Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) is a pioneering research and demonstration centre that inspires, informs and enables people to explore new ways of living. Opening to the public back in 1975, it has established a worldwide reputation as one of the leading organisations demonstrating ecological technologies and lifestyles. CAT presents practical solutions to environmental problems in a fun and informative way. Further information on the ecological footprint is available at http://www.wwf.org.uk/researcher/issues/footprint/index.asp and http://www.walesfootprint.org/ Further information:Andy Rowland, ecodyfi Manager 01654 703965 |
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22/07/2005