A vision without a plan is just a dream'

1

• A vision without a plan is just a dream.
• A plan without a vision is just drudgery.
• But a vision with a plan can change the world.
• Proverb (Mt. Abu Declaration, United Nations)
• Welcome to the Introductory Meeting of the
• Sustainable Oban Forum
• Wednesday 12th March 2008

2
Agenda to the meeting

• 7.40 Word of welcome
• 7.45 Introduction
• 8.00 Short break to get tea or coffee
• 8.05 Break out
• 8.30 Plenary discussion
• 9.00 Conclusion

3
Current Global Environmental Crises

• We face
• Climate Change...
• Desertification and deforestation...
• Chemical pollution and hazardous waste...
• Acidity of the oceans and dwindling amount of
  fresh water...
• Mass extinction of species, loss of biodiversity
  and degradation of eco-systems...
• Depletion of natural resources (oil, natural gas,
  minerals, fish, fertile land...)

4
Cause of the current crises

• Scientists agree that...
• these crises are interrelated
• they are caused by our current way of living
• environmental damage could pass unknown points of
  no return.
• United Nations Environmental Programme GEO-4
  report (2008)
• While governments are expected to take
  the lead, other stakeholders are just as
  important to ensure success in achieving
  sustainable development.
• WE are those other stakeholders!

5
Solution to the current crisis

• So, what can WE do locally?
• We can build a
• Thriving
• Self-sustaining
• Sustainable
• Community !

6
How do we turn Oban into a thriving,
self-sustaining, sustainable community?
Oban Fairtrade Group
FYNE Organic Company

• ALI energy

Hebridean Partnership
ECO congregation
GRAB
LESS
NADAIR
Open Ground
Millstone Wholefood Store
Sea Life Adventures
SNHG
Oban Freecycle
ECO-promotion
Scottish Wildlife Trust
7
Our current situation

• No integrated or holistic approach to sustainable
  development most of us have specialist expertise
  and work on single theme issues.
• We have little knowledge of each other.
• Even though all issues are related, we share
  little knowledge or experience, or look for
  overlap and common ground.
• Few cross-over partnerships.
• Little political influence - competition for
  attention.
• Competition for attention within the community as
  well (risky!)
• Competition for funding.

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Purpose of a Sustainable Oban Forum

• A foundation for members to support each other
  both morally and practically.
• A think tank on sustainability and sustainable
  development within the community, translating
  global crises into local solutions.
• An authority on divers themes and issues
  (biodiversity, renewable energy, waste
  recycling, fair trade...)
• A joint influence on local government local
  sustainable policies.
• A partner to local government in achieving
  sustainable development.
• A partner and support to local sustainable
  initiatives.
• A centre of knowledge and experience to the
  community and to local businesses.
• A network with local, national and international
  sustainability groups
• The beating heart of a thriving self-sustaining
  and sustainable Oban...!

9
Your thoughts...?

• What do you want the Sustainable Oban Forum to
  do / achieve?
• Pretend the sky is the limit
• Well get to the
• What, When, How, Where...
• next time...!