This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Sustainable action funding extended
24/02/2003
A £600,000 grant fund is to be made available over the
next three years for projects which promote sustainable
development, under the sustainable action grants
scheme.
The scheme, which aims to help projects which are both
economically viable and environmentally friendly, has been
extended to 2006.
Projects which have already benefited from funding
include Eco-Congregations, a churches environment programme
which has been enabled to take practical steps to care for
the environment through their local communities.
Friends of the Earth Scotland has also received funding
to promote good practice in office management in small
offices and enterprises.
For the first time, environmental justice will also be
included to meet the challenges faced by communities in
addressing local environmental issues and the burden of
poor environmental conditions.
Ross Finnie, Minister for Environment and Rural
Development, said:
"The Executive is committed to promoting sustainable
development throughout Scotland. I would like to see
applications for national or regional projects which put
emphasis on our sustainable development priorities of
resource use, energy and travel.
"We have funded successful sustainable development
projects through our Sustainable Action Grants for eight
years.
"The Scottish Executive is also committed to delivering
environmental justice. We need to see original,
forward-thinking action which is designed to raise
awareness and spread good practice in both of these
important areas. I am convinced this funding will help
promote the Executive's agenda on sustainable development
and environmental justice."
The Sustainable Action Fund was set up in 1996 to fund
sustainable development projects throughout Scotland.
Projects which have benefited from funding range from
Scotland-wide youth programmes to community-level recycling
initiatives.
More than 20 projects were given funding in 2001-02,
totalling £334,000. In 2002-03, 11 new projects were
approved with further funding of £110,000. Some of these
projects will continue into 2003-04.
Applications are invited for national and regional
projects. The deadline for applications is March 14,
2003.