Vision, aims and principles
Our vision
The Dyfi Biosphere will be recognised and respected internationally, nationally and locally for the diversity of its natural beauty, heritage and wildlife, and for its people’s efforts to make a positive contribution to a more sustainable world. It will be a self confident, healthy, caring and bilingual community, supported by a strong locally-based economy.
Aims
-
To keep and improve the area as a great place to live, work and bring up children – and to create more opportunities for them to stay here
-
To place a greater value on our natural environment and on Welsh language culture
-
To increase activity in nature conservation through voluntary means
-
To encourage discussion, agreement and co-ordination between people and organisations with different values and priorities
-
To develop a more self-reliant local economy; less dependent on fossil fuel, with growth driven by local knowledge and resources
-
To develop a more sustainable area; with residents and visitors choosing locally-produced goods more often and reducing our impact on the world
-
To use the Biosphere ‘brand’ to promote the quality of local agricultural & other products and tourism experiences
-
To ensure education and training in sustainable development, as well as research in the natural and social sciences, in support of the Biosphere vision
-
To take advantage of help and advice from UNESCO and other Biosphere Reserves across the world
Principles and aspirations
In addition to the vision and strategic objectives, a set of principles was agreed upon.
1. People – their attitudes and activities – are central to the Biosphere process.
2. The Dyfi Biosphere is a place where people’s feeling of well being is enhanced, where people are empowered and involved in deliberation, decision-making and co-delivery.
3. The role of government and statutory organizations is to facilitate sustainable development and to encourage and enable people to take responsibility.
4. The Dyfi Biosphere is an exemplary area, setting the benchmark for “green”, bilingual living.
5. Our economy is becoming more self reliant and less carbon intensive, based largely on local culture, resources, products and environmental assets.
6. Constructive change occurs, but almost incidentally as a result of protecting, strengthening and celebrating elements of life and the world which the community values and wants to pass on to future generations.