The Bigger Picture - case studies
Introduction
The film begins in with a short history of the term ‘sustainable development’, explaining that in the early 1970’s, it was becoming obvious to many people there was a finite limit to the world’s natural resources. In 1972, the Ecologist magazine published an article proposing a new approach to international human development, which became known as ‘sustainable development’.
Throughout the film, there are shots of Defra people holding up large cards with their own hand-written phrases describing what sustainable development means to them, the challenges of integrating sustainable development, and the benefits we can see from doing so.
The film visits three different projects to see how Defra is already putting sustainable development into practice.
Case studies
1. Refurbishment of Nobel House, London
Defra aims to lead by example. The refurbishment of Nobel House is designed to have a reduced impact on the environment, and will generate long-term financial savings through reduced running costs. The refurbishment will generate also social benefits for Defra people by making it easier to combine work and outside responsibilities.
Sustainable development is not just about sustainable operations and building refurbishments within Defra, but also about sustainable policy-making.
2. SCOPS – Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep
SCOPS is helping farmers to effectively protect their sheep from parasites whilst reducing the rate at which resistant parasites evolve. This new approach ensures that sheep are healthy, farmers’ livelihoods and rural communities are protected, and the environment and our landscape are maintained.
The SCOPS experience demonstrates that as you tackle one policy challenge, in this case keeping sheep healthy, the way you meet that challenge can generate other benefits.
3. The National Forest
Since 1995, the National Forest Company has more than doubled tree cover within The National Forest, on agricultural and former industrial land in the centre of England. The National Forest is a forest in the making, transforming 200 square miles and blending new and maturing woodland within a wide variety of landscapes. It presents opportunities for many to take part in its development.
The project exemplifies the largescale landscape change supported by the new Strategy for England’s Trees, Woodlands and Forests, promoting biodiversity, conservation and environmental issues as well as the woodland economy. It has catalysed regeneration in the economically deprived parts of the Forest.
The National Forest Company leads the creation of the Forest (with more than 300 hectares planted each year) and it encourages a sustainable development approach with local authorities and other stakeholders.
Conclusion
The film then shows how all three case studies demonstrate sustainable development. We need to achieve progress in three areas: a just society, a healthy environment and a productive economy. Although the three elements may appear to be in conflict they are actually interdependent and connected. If we are to achieve genuine sustainable development, all three areas must be considered at the same time.
Page last modified: 20 September 2007