WEST Devon-based charity Westden had the opportunity to showcase its work in front of Prime Minister Tony Blair and members of the cabinet last week at the launch of the UK Government Sustainable Development Strategy. Westden, which runs a wide range of projects promoting sustainable development in West Devon, was invited to the launch of the strategy in London because of its reputation for innovative work involving the community in local sustainability. Westden trustee Terry Faull gave a presentation on the charity?s work in front of Mr Blair and other members of the cabinet, including Margaret Beckett, Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Charles Clarke, Home Secretary and Gareth Thomas from the Department for International Development. Terry Faull, said: ?This was a wonderful opportunity to share the work which Westden is doing with an audience of people and organisations who can influence the future at a national and international level.? The new strategy for sustainable development covers a wide range of issues, including helping people live more sustainable lifestyles, confronting climate change, protecting natural resources, enhancing the environment and creating sustainable communities. In his introduction to the strategy document, Mr Blair writes: ?This is a truly challenging agenda. It will involve working across departmental boundaries and through all levels of government - from the neighbourhood to the United Nations. ?It involves channelling the power of business by stimulating the market to innovate and to produce more cost-effective and sustainable options for all purchasers. ?It needs the commitment of voluntary groups and it involves influencing the individual everyday choices we all make. ?Most of all, it means focussing on long-term solutions, not short-term fixes. targeting prevention now, rather than putting right later, ensuring we get the full environmental, social and economic dividend from every pound we spend.? Westden director Polly Goodwin said: ?The challenge will be to work together and translate strategy into action so that people living in communities here in West Devon experience real improvement in the quality of their lives and environment.? Westden has recently been awarded a grant of £127,000 from Defra?s Environmental Action Fund to promote sustainable living through practical workshops in skills such as cooking with local food, how to compost, and options for installing alternative energy systems at home. Westden was set up in 1994, and based at Coryton. It runs a wide range of practical projects to help promote sustainability. These include providing free training in rural skills such as forestry and agriculture, a wheels-to-work scheme for young people, help for groups who are developing projects to improve their local community, and work with community organisations in India and Eastern Europe.
