Archived decisions

Contact: Campbell Williams, ext 6600

1. Summary

1.1 This report informs Members of the Down to Earth 2 Conference that took place between October 2001-February 2002 and recommends approval of the action plan arising from it.

2. The Down to Earth 2 Conference

2.1 Over 600 delegates attended the Down to Earth 2 Conference on sustainable lifestyles which was held over three separate days on 19 October 2001, 27 November 2001 and 20 February 2002. The delegates were representative of all sections of the community and included business, media, academia, voluntary sector, public sector, major industry, SMEs and religious groups. A detailed summary of the conference is attached as Appendix 1.

2.2 Some 30 speakers and panel members took part, and gave a wide ranging series of talks and were involved in some challenging debates. The existing level of knowledge of the delegates was extensive and this contributed to the high level of debate.

2.3 There was considerable media coverage, including numerous radio and television interviews, as well as newspaper articles. The Down to Earth website has proved very popular attracting over 1,000 visits to many of the pages, and around 5,500 visits to the main home page in a six month period. Full transcripts, copies of the presentations and press releases are now available on the Down to Earth website (www.down-to-earth.co.uk).

2.4 To ensure that this conferences is not standing alone UNED UK has been involved with all three days so that the conference is able to feed into the UK overall input to the 2002 Earth Summit.

2.5 Throughout the three day conference one key theme has emerged - the need for lifestyle and behaviour change. A detailed review of the actions to address this overall theme is attached as Appendix 2. These actions were developed at a wash-up day of the conference attended by all the organisers and some of the delegates who attended all three days.

3. The Way Forward

3.1 Discussion of the proposed action plan will allow final specific actions to be implemented. The actions will then be carried out by the County Council and its partners over the suggested timescales. Appendices 1 and 2 will be sent to all delegates who attended the conference, to stimulate their involvement in the development of sustainable lifestyles in Hampshire.

3.2 The Committee will be made aware of progress, and linked actions, as elements are developed and completed.

Recommendation

That the Committee:

(i) notes a successful conference report; and

(ii) endorses the Action Plan.

7109/CW