Local Agenda 21 - Communities in Action: Mendip District Council

EARTH SUMMIT+5
Special Session of the General Assembly to Review and Appraise
the Implementation of Agenda 21
New York, 23-27 June 1997

SUCCESS STORIES FROM UNITED KINGDOM

Communities in Action: Mendip District Council

Location Mendip D.C., north of Somerset, UK.

Responsible organization(s) Local Council

Description The environmental project started in 1991 inspired by the Friends of the Earth Local Government Charter. They set up an environmental Fund for "pump-priming' of environmental projects. In 1992 the Council created the post of Environmental Initiatives Officer, with a first task of conducting an environmental audit of the Council's activities, which proved to be a key factor in changing both its policies and its corporate strategy. First priorities were internal action so that all staff participated in a full or half day "green awareness" training programme. A green purchasing policy was developed and extended to include contractors, and planning policy and procedures were reviewed. The Mendip Environmental Forum was established in 1993, with Local Agenda 21 objectives to bring environmental groups together along with social, community and business interests.

Issues addressed Local Agenda 21 implementation.

Objectives Building on corporate commitment.

Results achieved Environmental appraisal of all applications and a serious commitment to the principles of Local Agenda 21.
The Forum and the Council have together initiated a number of projects to build Local Agenda 21 including:
* "Age to Age" project to enable young people to talk to older people about their past and to know how their town or village has changed in their lifetime. This work developed into story telling, crafts and plays.
* A map of Mendip to combine information supplied by the community with the Council's own Geographical Information system (GIS), and make them accessible and user-friendly. This will also build on work done on local indicators. The map is designed for rural areas that are not homogenous but have important differences valued by locals and is piloted in six rural parishes, using a public "road show". The project plans to cover all 62 parishes in Mendip - a long term ten year programme.
In November 1994, the Council published the Mendip Environmental Report, which examines the resources of the area as well as the challenges and opportunities to be faced.
A series of workshops are being organised to help promote Local Agenda 21, focusing on "homes and environment", business and environment, and farming and the environment. A Health Alliance is also being developed to feed LA21 in response to requests from health professionals.

Lessons learned Although Mendip district Council is one of the smaller local authorities engaged in the LA21 process, it has already built up an impressive track record and has demonstrated imagination and commitment that should serve as an example to authorities and communities throughout the UK

Financing Environmental Fund, Countryside Commission.

Contact Ms. Ruth Allen, Environmental Initiatives Manager,
Mendip D.C., UK.
Tel. 01749 343399.

Copyright © United Nations
Department of Economic and Social Affairs
Comments and suggestions: esa@un.org
Last updated 1 November 1997

	Communities in Action: Mendip District Council
	Location	Mendip D.C., north of Somerset, UK.
	Responsible organization(s)	Local Council
	Description	The environmental project started in 1991 inspired by the Friends of the Earth Local Government Charter. They set up an environmental Fund for "pump-priming' of environmental projects. In 1992 the Council created the post of Environmental Initiatives Officer, with a first task of conducting an environmental audit of the Council's activities, which proved to be a key factor in changing both its policies and its corporate strategy. First priorities were internal action so that all staff participated in a full or half day "green awareness" training programme. A green purchasing policy was developed and extended to include contractors, and planning policy and procedures were reviewed. The Mendip Environmental Forum was established in 1993, with Local Agenda 21 objectives to bring environmental groups together along with social, community and business interests.
	Issues addressed	Local Agenda 21 implementation.
	Objectives	Building on corporate commitment.
	Results achieved	Environmental appraisal of all applications and a serious commitment to the principles of Local Agenda 21. The Forum and the Council have together initiated a number of projects to build Local Agenda 21 including: * "Age to Age" project to enable young people to talk to older people about their past and to know how their town or village has changed in their lifetime. This work developed into story telling, crafts and plays. * A map of Mendip to combine information supplied by the community with the Council's own Geographical Information system (GIS), and make them accessible and user-friendly. This will also build on work done on local indicators. The map is designed for rural areas that are not homogenous but have important differences valued by locals and is piloted in six rural parishes, using a public "road show". The project plans to cover all 62 parishes in Mendip - a long term ten year programme. In November 1994, the Council published the Mendip Environmental Report, which examines the resources of the area as well as the challenges and opportunities to be faced. A series of workshops are being organised to help promote Local Agenda 21, focusing on "homes and environment", business and environment, and farming and the environment. A Health Alliance is also being developed to feed LA21 in response to requests from health professionals.
	Lessons learned	Although Mendip district Council is one of the smaller local authorities engaged in the LA21 process, it has already built up an impressive track record and has demonstrated imagination and commitment that should serve as an example to authorities and communities throughout the UK
	Financing	Environmental Fund, Countryside Commission.
	Contact	Ms. Ruth Allen, Environmental Initiatives Manager, Mendip D.C., UK. Tel. 01749 343399.