News
First Minister launches Sustainable future for Wales
22 May 2009
The First Minister Rhodri Morgan launched a major new policy to mainstream the sustainability agenda that will affect every aspect of life in Wales. The Sustainable Development Scheme will see the Assembly Government using all its devolved powers to make Wales truly sustainable in every way, from how we manage the environment to how we develop the economy. The Minister said all parts of Welsh society will need to be involved in order to ensure a sustainable future for Wales and its future generations.
The plan sets out a number of targets, and actions for the Assembly Government to take, including:
- The need to reduce our reliance on carbon based energy by 80 – 90%;
- A move towards becoming a zero waste nation and achieving 70% recycling of municipal waste by 2025;
- The introduction of a grant scheme to extend the use of ecological footprinting in Wales;
- To set out the path to a low carbon, low waste economy through a new Green Jobs Strategy;
- Investing £190 million in public health to improve equity in health;
- A commitment that sustainable development will be made a core objective for the restructure of the NHS in all it does by giving clear duties to the new bodies to demonstrate best practice in planning and design, building, transport and waste management;
- Giving further support to Sustainable Development education initiatives;
- Incorporating sustainability into all tourism promotion and development to ensure that Wales is recognised internally as a sustainable tourism destination.
