THE Global Ecoislands Summit 2012 launched today (Tuesday) as community leaders, island representatives, sustainability experts, government ministers and technology giants descended on the Isle of Wight.
Hundreds of delegates and dignitaries from more than 20 islands and regions are due to gather at Cowes Yacht Haven to hear about the foundations being laid on the Island, and make their own public commitments by signing the Ecoislands Accord.
The keynote address will be given by the Minister of State for Energy John Hayes, with further addresses by David Stubbs, head of sustainability for the Olympic Games, Will King, chief executive of King of Shaves and Business Executive of the Year, and David Green, chief executive of Ecoislands and Sustainability Executive of the Year.
There will also be a demonstration of hydrogen vehicles and the ITM Power hydrogen refueller and the launch of the Ecoislands anthem with their ambassador in Tobago.
Mr Green said: "Often it is the smallest places that can demonstrate the greatest change and it is time for our political leaders to take note that the people want change.
"They want a cleaner, greener lifestyle and they need inspiration projects like this to act as beacons to the rest of the world."
He added: "The summit is not about talk and targets, it’s about communities uniting on a meaningful journey to sustainability and accessing the resources and knowledge to turn that vision into reality."
Delegates include the Scottish Islands Federation, Isle of Wight Council, Isle of Man, Jersey, Eastleigh Council, Fareham Borough Council, Winchester Action on Climate Change, Future Frome, Brighton and Hove Council, Bornholm, Denmark, Tobago and Community Energy Scotland.
Reporter: martinn@iwcpmail.co.uk