Inventing our future Collective action for a sustainable economy

Appendix 3 - Other Regional Strategies
Regional Economic Strategy (RES)
The East of England Development Agency published ‘East of England 2010, the Regional
Economic Strategy’ in June 2001. This includes an environment chapter that recognises
that ‘no organisation, public or private can afford to make business decisions on shortterm
economic grounds alone. Clients, customers and employees expect organisations
to have concern for the environmental and social impact of their decisions’. The Strategy
discusses how the high quality of the East of England’s natural and built environment
makes an important contribution to economic objectives. It highlights that businesses
and organisations of the East of England need to act urgently to secure environmental
assets, adapt to environmental changes and to exploit the global environmental business
opportunities, which are emerging. Its three strategic environmental priorities are to:
• Encourage the take-up of sustainable policies and practices by all businesses.
• Promote the environmental business sector.
• Protect and support the natural and built environment.
The RES recognises that the region faces a major challenge in achieving economic growth
and regeneration, while safeguarding and enhancing the natural and built environment.
A revised RES will be completed and published in 2004.
Regional Social Strategy
In Autumn 2002, the Health and Social Inclusion Panel of the Regional Assembly
commenced work on developing a Regional Social Strategy for the East of England. The
Strategy will describe the role the environment has in enhancing well-being and quality
of life in tackling inequalities in health, social exclusion and neighbourhood renewal.
The Strategy will be completed in 2004.
Regional Cultural Strategy
The environment contributes significantly to the region’s cultural life, providing the
context for much tourism and leisure activity. The Regional Cultural Strategy, produced
by the Regional Cultural Forum in July 2001, acknowledges the importance of the natural
and built environment to the cultural makeup of the region. References are made to
the region’s environmental strengths, including historic cities, ports and seaside resorts,
churches, fine landscapes, farmland and scenery. Case studies of environmental projects
are highlighted, indicating the importance to the region of areas such as the Norfolk
Broads and Wicken Fen for tourism. The valuable cultural associations of the region’s
landscapes, both natural and man-made are recognised. The Strategy also includes
targets for regeneration projects for the built and natural environments. The action
plan includes a commitment to establish high profile landmarks through public art or
72 The Regional Environment Strategy for The East of England
architecture at regional gateways, and supports the development of a regional design
statement on architecture and the built environment.
Regional Housing Strategy
The Regional Housing Forum produced a first Regional Housing Strategy for the region in
June 2003, which will help to shape and influence the direction housing will take in the
East of England.
Appendix 3 - Other Regional Strategies
The Regional Environment Strategy for The East of England
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