Political leaders, business representatives and environmental organisations from across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight have come together to call for nature and climate to be placed at the centre of decision-making as the region prepares for major changes to local government.
More than 100 councillors, business leaders and public sector representatives attended the event at Harbour Lights Picturehouse in Southampton on 10th July, hosted by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust alongside Natural England, the New Forest and South Downs National Parks, Isle of Wight Biosphere and Voices for Climate and Nature.
The event comes as Hampshire and the Isle of Wight prepare for devolution, and for local government reorganisation, including proposals for a new Hampshire and Solent Combined County Authority, an elected Mayor, and a new unitary council, as previously reported by Island Echo.
Guests watched The People’s Emergency Briefing, a short film outlining the climate and nature crisis, before taking part in discussions on how protecting and restoring nature can support economic growth, improve public health, reduce flood risk and create more resilient communities.
Debbie Tann MBE, Chief Executive of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, has said:
“Nature is necessary, it’s not just a nice-to-have. It is the critical infrastructure that underpins our society, economy, and security. Nature is a powerful solution to confronting the colliding crises and risks we face, as well as key to unlocking opportunities, jobs, and good, inclusive growth for the region.
“We want local leaders to make bold, ambitious decisions for nature as the political landscape across our region changes. The decisions being made now will shape Hampshire and the Isle of Wight for decades to come.
“We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to ensure nature is recognised as critical infrastructure alongside transport, housing and energy. If we get this right, we can create a region where both wildlife and communities thrive.
Article continues below this advertisement “This event demonstrates the growing recognition that nature must be part of those conversations from the very beginning. We were delighted to welcome so many local leaders and decision-makers and look forward to continuing to work together to create a future-ready region showing real leadership.”
Research commissioned by the Trust and carried out by ARUP found that 94% of surveyed stakeholders believe nature is important to the long-term success of Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and the Solent. The report concluded that a healthy natural environment is fundamental to both a strong economy and resilient communities.
Ahead of the event, more than 200 residents used the Trust’s online action tool to contact council leaders, encouraging them to attend and demonstrate their commitment to a nature-positive future.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust says it will continue working with elected representatives, organisations and local communities in the months ahead to ensure nature remains a priority as plans for the region’s new governance arrangements progress.
