Eco-schools

Eco-Schools Award Scheme A whole school participatory environmental management system that promotes environmental awareness, citizenship and sustainable development.

Registration and all materials are free to schools and available in either Welsh or English.

Modelled on the ISO 14001 system, pupils play the key role in decision making and action for their school and community improvement. School Grounds Development is one of 7 possible themes to be tackled. Other sustainability issues include Litter, Waste, Energy, Transport, Healthy Living and Water. The programme is highly structured and promotes partnership with external agencies for each school's particular situation and priorities. Pupils work towards the highly respected European Green Flag award, which is assessed every two years. Over 500 schools have registered for the programme in Wales, with some 65 currently flying the flag.

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Environment Agency

The Agency's primary role is that of a regulator, but we also have duties to monitor, manage and understand the environment and the processes that affect it. This is not exclusive however and other bodies such as local authorities and the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) have duties covering some of these areas

• E.g. we do not have direct responsibility for air quality from road traffic, litter, nuisance and other environmental health issues. The Local Authorities also have specific responsibilities for contaminated land.

• CCW have responsibility for the conservation of our natural heritage, enhancing landscapes and encouraging access to the countryside.

The Agency produces Local Environment Agency Plans (LEAPs) of which the Action Plans will be reviewed annually. These documents are for encouraging local communities to be involved in environmental issues and for the Agency to forge partnerships that will enable identified actions to be delivered. Our website will hold copies of these documents in addition to information on other aspects of the Agency's work, including education resources and details of publications. Local enquires should be made to Customer Contact on the Agency's General Enquiry Line. We encourage and work in partnerships to deliver environmental improvements, but are not a Grant giving body.