INSUFFICIENT supply of rental homes to meet demand is currently a critical issue, underlines ‘Housing for our Future’ – the Falkland Islands Housing Strategy launched this week.
RENEWABLE energy is the biggest missed opportunity in the Falklands according to respondents to the recent Environment Strategy stakeholder engagement report.
This week the FIG Environment Department released a report detailing the results of the consultation and engagement work that took place earlier this year, in support of the new Environment Strategy for the Islands. They ran a public consultation in March that asked for people’s views on issues and opportunities for the natural environment in the Islands including workshops at Goose Green, Fox Bay and Stanley.
8% of the adult population responded to the survey, which was a “good representation by location across the Islands…”
There were a considerable number of responses in every section with one person commenting that the environment should be considered with “EVERY decision not as an add-on at the end; whether its fishing, climate change mitigation, native flora, agriculture, developments, etc. I hope I will see a community and Government that actively speaks out for and cares for its nature.”
People said they hoped not to see:
“Fishing waste – such as nets & buoys around coastlines.”
“No projects that will bring a short-term financial gain at the expense of the environment such as commercial salmon farming.”
“Less single use plastic items being sold, i.e. plastic water bottles/ straws/ sandwich bags.”
“Large areas of erosion due to a combination of poor ground cover and drying climate”
Under the ‘hoping to stay the same’ category they asked for:
“Untouched Tussac islands and other native habitats”
“Biological diversity and almost pristine environment”
“The Falklands currently has many unique ecosystems this needs to stay the same and be protected better”
“No oil extraction occurring”
“The clean pollution free air & beaches”
“Still plenty of green, open spaces and easy access for the public to enjoy these areas”
Under the ‘Hoped to see change’ category they listed:
“Improved fisheries management”
“Vastly improved use of sustainable energy”
“Peoples attitude toward the value of the natural environment and increased respect for nature”
Missed
opportunities
Respondents identified 30 different areas they believe were missed opportunities with renewable energy in the top spot followed by sustainable tourism and better land management. Carbon offsetting came next followed by education and habitat restoration and sustainable practices.
65% of respondents felt there was not enough environmental regulation in the Falklands.
When asked which listed issues were important for waste management in the Falkland Islands, all respondents identified at least one of the following listed issues as being important: Managing household waste; Increasing recycling; Encouraging use of products that are biodegradable; Reducing/removing single use plastics; Increasing sewage treatment; Managing industrial/commercial waste. Most of those who answered the relevant questions thought that there should be waste management targets and agreed that they would be willing to pay higher service charges if levels of recycling could be increased.
The majority of respondents thought the Falkland Islands should set targets in relation to pollution control. Respondents were particularly concerned about commercial pollution, pollution on land and freshwater and pollution in the ocean.
The majority of respondents also thought the Falkland Islands should set targets in relation to wildlife and nature. They were given a list of focal areas to respond to which respondents identified all as important.
Survey respondents identified all of the listed focal areas related to minerals and energy as being important for the Falkland Islands, though comparatively fewer respondents identified the issues ‘extraction and use of non-renewable resources onshore’, ‘continued generation and use of nonrenewable energy sources’ and ‘extraction and use of non-renewable resources offshore’ as being important
Global climate change was viewed as important for the Falkland Islands by those who undertook the survey, including issues such as changes to soil moisture conditions and energy production along with natural hazards from climate change such as increased fire risk.
THE SECURITY of the Falkland Islands Meat Company (FIMCo) was the key issue at this week’s Rural Business Association, Farmers Week Organiser Samantha Marsh told Penguin News.
Executive Council has approved a new set of immigration regulations, relevant to anyone looking to apply for a permanent residence permit (PRP).
WITH a strong economy and the contribution made in particular by the fishing industry, along with farming, construction and in normal years tourism, the finances of Falkland Islands Government remain stable, the Financial Secretary Tim Waggott assured Members of Legislative Assembly at this year’s Budget session on Tuesday.
He cautioned: “We do, however remain mindful of the continuing global challenges of the moment.
IN a global first, the Falkland Islands have been formally recognised as an incredible location for the elusive and endangered sei whale.
