Gildernew attends Sustainable Development Commission dinner
Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA has attended the Sustainable Development
Commission dinner in the Stormont Hotel Belfast.
The event was organised by Jonathon Porritt, Chair of the Sustainable
Development Commission (SDC) and was also attended by sustainable development
commissioners and other key players with subject expertise and experience from
across Britain and Ireland. The SDC’s sister organisation in Ireland, Comhar
was also represented.
Speaking after the dinner, the Minister said: “Sustainability is at the very heart of my department’s strategic
objectives. We have extensive programmes already in place aimed at improving
the economic, social and environmental sustainability of rural society many of
which are embedded within the £530million Rural Development Programme.
“I recently discussed the issue of
climate change with British Minister, Hilary Benn and other devolved Ministers
in Scotland and Wales. Responding to climate change will create both challenges
and opportunities for the agri-food industry. I am keen to ensure that the
industry plays its part in tackling the factors that contribute to climate
change while allowing it to get on with the business of producing food.
“As a first step, I have asked my
Departmental Scientific Adviser to examine and report to me on the current
scientific knowledge relating to climate change and the implications for the
agri-food industry. This will inform the development of a strategic approach by
the agri-food industry to the issue of climate change.
“This event has afforded me a valuable
opportunity to discuss the Sustainable Development Commission’s work and meet a
number of key figures involved. The SDC makes a significant contribution to the
local sustainability agenda and I look forward to working with them in the
future.”