It has been a busy few months in the TFMZ IOW network. Alongside launching the TFMZ Coastal Hub, supporting the Parish Futures movement and collaborating on the Biosphere Knowledge Exchange programme; we have developed a funding application for the National Lottery’s Climate Action Fund and have been working closely with the island’s Biosphere team to understand how we can have the greatest impact together. Going forward, we want to work with as many islanders and island organisations as possible to develop a shared future vision of the island; collectively aligning while empowering individual efforts. The journey continues! More below on what has been happening.
Launching the TFMZ Coastal Hub
The TFMZ Coastal Hub was launched during a meeting on 6 March at Building 41 in Cowes with approx. 50 on-island maritime experts and enthusiasts in attendance. Speakers included Andy Hunt (Founder of Vectis Sustainable Engineering Ltd and Plant an Oyster) showcasing a project for planting oysters along the coast for sea water filtration and purification, followed by a talk by Jon Kid (Cowes Harbour Master at the Cowes Harbour Commission) speaking to the East Cowes Harbour plans for positive ecological impact, net zero initiatives and economic investments. We also heard from Sue Barker (Director of the Sea Pool Project) who presented plans for a sea pool in Yaverland. Participants also had a chance to share their views during focused breakout discussions on key costal questions for the island. For those interested in learning more about the TFMZ Coastal hub please get in touch with us at info@togetherformissionzero.co.uk
The future is in our hands
Parish Futures is a voluntary initiative searching for the next generation of councillors on the island and is of the belief that Town and Parish councils are the bedrock of change towards a sustainable, healthy and prosperous future. Parish Futures held two public events over March to explain how people can become councillors to shape the future of the island. With results from local elections now coming in, 28 of our 66 town and parish wards still have insufficient candidates to complete their allocation of councillors. In fact there are 51 positions still left unfilled!! Find out more about this programme, uncontested seats and how you can become a councillor on Facebook (see post dated 03 April), www.parishfutures.org or email at info@parishfutures.org
Isle of Wight Cabinet Adopts Cycling and Walking Plans
In early February and following a period of public consultation, the Isle of Wight Cabinet adopted four separate Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans (LCWIPs)- East Cowes & Whippingham; Cowes, Gurnard & Northwood; The Bay Area and Brading; and Bembridge & St Helens. These plans are now Supplementary Planning Documents (SPD) that can be used as a material consideration in planning decisions, helping to build more and better active travel infrastructure on the island.
This is welcome news! Well done to island organisations People Powered CIC and Plan Research for developing these LCWIPs.
Biosphere Knowledge Exchange with the University of Portsmouth
A knowledge exchange accelerator programme between the University of Portsmouth and island organisations kicked off over the month of April. The programme aims to promote the island’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status and the Sustainable Development Goals in our island’s activities and through collaboration with students from University of Portsmouth. Undergraduate students from the university have been paired with local organisations to collaborate on applied Biosphere related projects. This programme will culminate with a street party showcasing all projects on 1 July at Monkton Arts Ryde. A super initiative!
Biosphere Festival 28 June- 6 July
A reminder that the Biosphere Festival will be taking place between 28 June- 6 July and will be a celebration of our UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status, with events for everyone, all over the island. You can stay up-to-date on the programme as it develops on the Biosphere website, Facebook and Instagram. The Together for Mission Zero gang will be running an event as part of the festival, plans are in the making, more to follow over the next weeks.