About EcoVannin

A group of local environmental organisations have partnered with key Government departments and the Manx Utilities Authority, to spearhead an initiative aimed at securing a future for our Island in which people, environment and economy can flourish.

Whilst there are some key partners, from NGOs, business and the Government, it's something that everyone and every organisation can get involved with - and benefit from.

We aim to deliver on these aims by focusing on a number of key strategic 'workstreams', each playing a role in delivering secure, productive and environmentally beneficial outcomes - including support for emerging and clean technologies (both advanced and smaller scale), fresh business models and new opportunities for the Island's population.

Our Steering Group is made up of representatives from three environmental NGOs:

• Zero Waste Mann (zerowastemann.org),

• Isle of Man Friends of the Earth (iomfoe.org) and

• the Manx Energy Advice Centre (www.manxenergyadvicecentre.org), all of which are based at the Green Centre in Douglas.

and from the Isle of Man Government are included:

• the political member with responsibility for the clean-tech sector in the Department of Economic Development (Tony Wild, MLC)
• the Senior Manager for Energy Policy, Department of Economic Development,
• the Director of Environment, The Department of Environment, Fisheries and Agriculture
• the Business Development Manager of the Manx Utilities Authority.

We expect to announce further representation from the private sector in due course.

EcoVannin reflects the shared ambitions of Government and the environmental sector. The three environmental groups listed above campaign on issues relating to the Island’s environment, the sustainability of activities carried on here and the benefits to community and business that can arise from doing things in cleaner, greener ways. Each of them also gives advice and information enabling businesses and people to make better informed decisions for themselves. In addition, of course, our Government itself has a keen interest in ensuring that the Island’s economy is resilient, sustainable and run in an environmentally responsible manner to support its overarching agenda for positive economic growth and increased employment opportunities.

Muriel Garland, founding Chair of the initiative, said: "This is a tremendously exciting and inspiring initiative, and a real opportunity for the Manx public and business community to get involved with a range of different projects, all focused on celebrating the beautiful and productive island we live on - and making sure that it stays that way. So that we can achieve our ambitious, but extremely worthwhile, aims we've set up a funded and proactive group with a number of workstreams. We're inviting potential 'champions' to support the project through resourcing, awareness raising, acting as exemplars of sustainable activity and help with administration or participation in the specialist workstreams. We're very keen to hear from any organisation or individuals willing to help spearhead what will be a high profile, positive and inspiring initiative, aimed at ensuring this Island remains an environmentally unique, economically vibrant, and enjoyable place to live and work".

The project's nothing if not timely. Government's ‘Agenda for Change’ stresses the fact that as an Island, we must “use our natural resources sustainably and ensure we respond to the global challenges, responsibilities and opportunities which food security, energy security and climate change present”.

Work on ensuring the Island’s environmental sustainability is by no means new – EcoVannin simply offers an active and co-ordinated mechanism for NGOs, Government, business and the community to work together, capitalising on their individual strengths, outreach, visions and capabilities. If you'd like to get involved in any of a range of meaningful, material projects in the coming year, or simply to find out more, get in touch and let's explore a world of possibilities.