I was particularly interested to read the article about Aberfeldy’s experience of being Scotland’s first ‘Fairtrade Town’. Clearly this is a very worthy project. But what fascinated me were the many benefits the award has brought to the town. Not only did the campaign to achieve the Fairtrade Mark galvanise the community, it also led to the development of links between the town and the third world communities which benefit from Fairtrade. It has also given a real and lasting boost to the local economy. If ever we need an example of why sustainable development matters, and how well it can work, this is it.

Another fine example can be found here, where the winners of the 2004 Vision in Business for the Environment (VIBES) awards tell us how beneficial they have found good environmental practices. In each case they demonstrate that, whatever the size of the company, its profits, as well as its people and the environment in which it operates, get a boost if sustainable approaches are taken.

What matters in situations like these, and across many of the stories covered in this issue of SEPA View, is participation. The people of Aberfeldy have actively participated in the Fair Trade project; the staff and the managers of the winning VIBES companies have demonstrated their commitment to environmental and business improvements. The UK public is being asked to participate in the decision making process for disposal of radioactive wastes (‘Time to have your say’); architects are being encouraged to consider ecological design (‘Design for deconstruction’) and we are all able to participate in the drive to reduce waste (‘Win a stylish shopping bag’).

Participation is a founding principle of sustainable development and environmental justice. It matters, and it works.

Campbell Gemmell

SEPA Chief Executive



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