U.N. focus on Dyfi Valley
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U.N. focus on Dyfi Valley |
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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 |
International experts and local people will be examining the potential benefits of a unique United Nations honour at a conference in Machynlleth this June.The 'Dyfi Biosphere Area' is the only Welsh member of a prestigious UNESCO network. These areas demonstrate how local communities can benefit from conserving their most precious habitats and other resources. Instead of debating whether economic progress conflicts with conservation, people are getting on with showing that jobs can be created from environmental protection. The conference will hear from two such communities: the Rhön valley in Germany and Entlebuch in Switzerland. They have used the designation to develop and promote local food, tourism and other products as being clean, green and of high quality. Other speakers at Celtica on Thursday June 10th include Dr Alister Scott of the University of Wales Aberystwyth, discussing how communities can be involved in influencing the management of land. This includes that owned by the Countryside Council for Wales, who are funding the event, and the Forestry Commission. Any agreements about land management and other projects under this designation are purely voluntary. At the moment the designation is under review, with a recommendation to expand the area to include the whole of the Dyfi valley in due course. Ecodyfi, the community regeneration group for the area, has organized the conference to explore the level of support and is keen to see a full house at the opening event at the Tabernacl on Wednesday June 9th. This meeting starts at 7.00 p.m. and will consider how the Dyfi valley may develop. "Lots of good work is already being done", said Aled Griffiths, co-Chair of ecodyfi, "but if we are successful in expanding the boundaries of this UN designation we can bring it all together under one powerful banner". Other local speakers that night will include Charles Arch of Cwrt. There are a few places left on the Thursday event and the Friday field trip, but advance booking on 01654 703965 is essential for these. The Wednesday event is open to all. Programme details are regularly updated at http://www.ecodyfi.org.uk/biosphereproject/ Further information:Andy Rowland, ecodyfi Manager 01654 703965 |
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25/05/2004