Introduction:

The South West is characterised by its largely rural landscape, long coastline, few major cities and many small settlements. Rural communities play an important role in the South West’s economy. The South West’s Regional Development Agency has a detailed and explicit sustainable development strategy. It recognises that quality of life in the region is a major attractor of investment, business, workers and tourists.

Environmental technologies and services, such as renewable energy, represent a huge global market where the South West can become a leader in identifying the environment as a key ‘driver’ for the economy. It is important to build rather than diminish the region’s environmental and cultural capital. Sustainable development is a mounting challenge for the South West – taking needed steps to develop its regional economy whilst still securing environmental and social benefits.

WWF-UK Projects in the South West: