Andy Rowland Manager, ecodyfi 1 March 2011 Ecodyfi An introduction
What is ecodyfi? A local organisation bringing people together to foster sustainable community regeneration in the Dyfi Valley ecology & economy
Developing a robust economy, a strong sense of community and a healthy environment What are we doing? Improving our quality of life in ways that don’t destroy the very things we value
Our vision “for the Dyfi Valley to be a thriving bilingual community… …with a reputation for sustainability”
Development Partnership initiated 1997 by PCC, Dulas Ltd etc. First project 1998 – 2002 Community renewables Company limited by guarantee formed 1999 Reformed with wider agenda & local control 2002 Managed by Board of 15 people Have had up to 6 paid staff, depending on funding £120,000 turnover 2009/10, mostly grants No core funding; contracts increasingly important
Renewable energy Tourism Waste Woodlands Transport WHAT: 1998 – 2001
Sustainable energy Tourism Waste, ecological footprint & sustainable living Public transport, cycling & walking WHAT: Language/landscape Health & outdoor activity Community consultations & planning including Dyfi Biosphere Housing & community facilities Youth facilities
Recent paid activities/projects Ynni’r Fro / Community Renewable Energy
Recent paid activities/projects Ynni’r Fro / Community Renewable Energy Mentro Allan / Venture Out action research
Recent paid activities/projects Ynni’r Fro / Community Renewable Energy Mentro Allan / Venture Out action research Dyfi Footprint partnership project
Recent paid activities/projects Ynni’r Fro / Community Renewable Energy Mentro Allan / Venture Out action research Dyfi Footprint partnership project Tirwedd Dyfi: Welsh language & landscape
Recent paid activities/projects Ynni’r Fro / Community Renewable Energy Mentro Allan / Venture Out action research Dyfi Footprint partnership project Tirwedd Dyfi: Welsh language & landscape Sustainable tourism
Recent paid activities/projects Ynni’r Fro / Community Renewable Energy Mentro Allan / Venture Out action research Dyfi Footprint partnership project Tirwedd Dyfi: Welsh language & landscape Sustainable tourism Community therapeutic garden
Recent paid activities/projects Ynni’r Fro / Community Renewable Energy Mentro Allan / Venture Out action research Dyfi Footprint partnership project Tirwedd Dyfi: Welsh language & landscape Sustainable tourism Community therapeutic garden Community Land Trust
Recent paid activities/projects Ynni’r Fro / Community Renewable Energy Mentro Allan / Venture Out action research Dyfi Footprint partnership project Tirwedd Dyfi: Welsh language & landscape Sustainable tourism Community therapeutic garden Community Land Trust Community action planning (CMI/Biosphere) Dyfodol Cambria: eg&s engagement
Unpaid activities/projects UNESCO Dyfi Biosphere Bro Ddyfi Communities First Dyfi Travel Guide Community Energy Fund Consultations & networking Information & signposting Company management & development
Mentoring Subject specific: includes community based sustainable energy, ecological footprint, active travel Process: includes partnership working, behaviour change, community engagement
Partnerships & networking Evolved from partnership to social enterprise Facilitate other groups & joint actions Partnerships with businesses & public sector (tourism) Dyfi Biosphere process Community Climate Change, Communiversity & Ynni’r Fro team
Behaviour change Mentro Allan seeking more active behaviours – a targeted health intervention – offered supported participation Ecological Footprint – limited success beyond usual suspects – appeal to relevant motivations Dyfi Travel Guide – information provision alone not sufficient
Community engagement Intermediary between people & “them” Provide funding support Bilingual delivery Communities First participatory appraisal Motivations/benefits vary between people Barriers can include the image & perceived identity of the messenger
dyfibiosphere.org.uk