News Release : 28 June 2004

Joint announcement by :
South East England Regional Assembly
Government Office for the South East
South East England Regional Development Agency
South East Forum for Sustainability
Environment Agency
Regional Action and Involvement in the South East
Department of Health

THE SUSTAINABILITY CHALLENGE –
Ensuring high quality of life for you and future generations

We are all being challenged today, citizens, public bodies and businesses to develop more sustainable life styles to ensure a high quality of life for future generations.

25 objectives are being published for everyone in the region to commit to and help sustain a prosperous South East region. The Integrated Regional Framework (IRF) aims to encourage economic development that meets social needs while placing increased emphasis on protecting and improving our environment. It covers four main themes as building blocks for a better future:

• More jobs and improved skills – Continuing to create new jobs, particularly in deprived areas, sustaining economic competitiveness and improving the skills of the workforce.
• Investing in communities - Ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to live in a decent and affordable home, improving health, reducing poverty and tackling crime.
• Efficient use of resources – Adopting new practices for using natural resources more prudently, for example limiting waste, reducing water use and increasing energy efficiency.
• A rich environment - Protecting and enhancing our environment, for example reducing air pollution and congestion and improving the region’s biodiversity.

Assembly member Chris Corrigan launched the IRF at a seminar in Brighton, saying: “All organisations, both public and private, now need to commit to implementing this vision for sustainable development in the South East through their own plans, decisions and actions. This will require a significant change in the attitude and behaviour of individuals, organisations and businesses. Unless we radically change the way we plan and manage our region we will not be able to sustain the quality of life it provides for most of us.”

Cllr Nick Skellett, Chair of the South East England Regional Assembly added: “South East England is the economic powerhouse of the country and overall it offers high levels of employment, a pleasant environment and a good quality of life. But we cannot assume this will always be the case. The congestion of our transport networks and difficulties in recruiting people may deter employers.

“The ability to supply enough water for the region is in question and many areas face increased threat from flooding. Farming and rural economies are under pressure and so is the biodiversity of the region. The Framework will help us work together to meet these challenges and get the right balance, but we now need to see clear commitment to the Framework and its message.”

Contact

Heather Bolton, Head of Communications - 01483 555221

Lesley van Dijk, PR Executive - 01483 555223

Notes to editors:

1. The Integrated Regional Framework (IRF) updates the Regional Sustainable Development Framework published in June 2001. It was launched on Monday 28 June at the University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton.
2. The full IRF and associated documents can be downloaded from the sustainable development section on this website, or a hard copy can be ordered from the Assembly (01483 555200) for £30.
3. The IRF will be reviewed by June 2007.
4. Regional partners which produced the Integrated Regional Framework are:
   South East England Regional Assembly
   Government Office for the South East
   South East England Regional Development Agency
   South East Forum for Sustainability
   Environment Agency
   Department of Health
   Regional Action and Involvement in the South East
5. All partners will regularly monitor the progress on the objectives and indicators.
6. A working group will continue to provide support and guidance for organisations implementing the IRF. We welcome comments and suggestions for further improvement.
7. Case studies are available on for example affordable housing, tackling crime, sustainable food and farming, transport and accessibility, climate change, resource efficiency, sustainable design and construction and socially responsible business.
8. What is Sustainable Development? There are many definitions of sustainable development, however the most commonly used and widely accepted is that coined by the World Commission of Environment and Development in 1987 as: "Development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." The UK Strategy for Sustainable Development "A Better Quality of Life" (1999) breaks down the definition into four key objectives, to be integrated and delivered simultaneously in achieving sustainable development: social progress which recognises the needs of everyone; effective protection of the environment; prudent use of natural resources; and maintenance of high and stable levels of growth and employment.

Last updated: 21 August 2007