PEOPLE in Cornwall are being invited to help shape a new, ground-breaking strategy aimed at encouraging business, organisations, communities and individuals to work together to increase environmental, social and economic prosperity.

Cornwall’s Environmental Growth Strategy 2015-2065 is being produced through a unique collaboration between Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Nature Partnership, Cornwall Council and environmental organisations and partners. Once adopted, it will provide a framework within which the council, the local nature partnership, the Health and Wellbeing board and the local enterprise partnership can work more effectively together for Cornwall’s environment.

Edwina Hannaford, Cornwall Council’s cabinet member for planning, said: ‘Environmental Growth is a ground-breaking approach designed to help improve the outlook for nature and for people in Cornwall. Our environment provides the foundation for all we do; we rely on nature to provide a hospitable environment for us, to support our health and wellbeing and our economy. However, nature is now in serious decline and we urgently need to repair the damage that has been done over many decades.

‘Environmental Growth provides us with a way of reversing this decline to create a flourishing society and economy in Cornwall. The strategy will look over the next 50 years to help make sure the long term consequences of our actions are positive.’

The strategy is built on four core themes. The first theme ‘Experiencing Cornwall’ is about the role of the environment to create the quality of life.

The second theme is called ‘Understanding Cornwall’ which focuses on increasing the knowledge of nature in Cornwall, what is thriving and what is declining, so decisions can be formed about where to focus environmental growth efforts.

The third theme ‘Valuing Cornwall’ helps to explain how to consider the environment in decisions and the information effectively. Finally, ‘Achieving Environmental Growth’ describes the ambitions for the future that will make sure the environment in Cornwall remains the fundamental core of society and economy in Cornwall.

Cornwall Council is seeking views from residents and visitors to Cornwall about the content of the draft document. The consultation runs until 5pm on November 16. Copies of the consultation document are available at www.cornwall.gov.uk/egconsultation

Anyone with queries on the development of the strategy or wanting to request a paper copy can send an e-mail to [email protected]