Welsh Government | Environment Minister discusses sustainability with Danish Government

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Environment Minister discusses sustainability with Danish Government

Environment Minister, John Griffiths is meeting with his Danish Government equivalent, Ida Auken, to discuss the importance of embedding sustainability everything we do. The Danish Government currently holds presidency for the EU, influencing the lives of the 450 million citizens of Europe.

Friday 01 June 2012

At their meeting the ministers will also discuss the Rio+20 summit, which John Griffiths will be attending later this month.

Commenting on his visit to Copenhagen, the Minister said:

“I will be exploring opportunities with Ms Auken for countries like Denmark and Wales to ensure Rio+20’s ambitions result in actions to help organisations and communities become more sustainable.

“I also want to ensure that Wales continues to demonstrate leadership on sustainability, through activities like our planned Sustainable Development Bill. I am looking forward to discussing opportunities for Wales and Denmark to share best practice on sustainable development.

Last month the Minister launched a consultation on proposals for a Sustainable Development Bill in Wales. This will place a legal requirement on organisations delivering public services across Wales to ensure their decision making is informed by sustainable development principles.

The Minister continued:

“Sustainability is at the very heart of the Welsh Government. When we are faced with difficult choices we will go for the option that delivers the best long term results for the people of Wales.

“This means things like investing in high quality, early education now to prevent social hardship later on; or helping Welsh householders and businesses to become more energy efficient so they can save money whilst also preparing for future energy price rises.

“We believe that by adopting this approach we will improve economic, social and environmental well being and enhance quality of life in Wales.”

In addition to meeting Denmark’s Environment Minister, Mr Griffiths will also attend meetings with Lone Loklindt, Chair of the Danish Parliament’s Environment Committee, and senior representatives from the European Environment Agency.

Introducing a Sustainable Development Bill is a Programme for Government action for creating sustainable places for people to live.