Green Recovery is critical for Oxfordshire

The Oxfordshire Environment Board (OxEB), an alliance of the county’s key environmental organisations, has said that focusing on a green recovery for the county must now be the priority.
 
Covid 19 has illustrated some of the environmental benefits that can be gained from changing the way we live and work, including reducing the impacts of transport, understanding the importance of local food and an even stronger appreciation of our local green spaces. 
 
Climate and biodiversity emergencies mean that, as we emerge from lockdown, returning to ‘business as usual’ is not a viable option.  OxEB is calling on Oxfordshire’s local authorities, the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership, the Universities and other key players to work together to ensure a ‘green recovery’ for the county.
 
OxEB Chair Jayne Manley said: “We need to make sure that future development plans for the county put nature and environment at their heart, helping to reverse the recent dramatic decline in habitats, species and green spaces.  That will require thinking differently about how investment is prioritised. We need protection and improvement of the environment to be recognised as a core objective rather than a last resort mitigation for development.
 
“Oxfordshire is uniquely well-placed to lead the way in this regard, with its environment and rural character already recognised as an essential component of its economic success.”