The successful development of the Thames Estuary is our birthright.
That was the assertion of the Rt Hon Eric Pickles, above, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government. The Banner behind him reads 'Greater Thames' and he was speaking at the official launch of our Futurescape.
So what is it all about?
I'm glad you asked me that. It's about the body and soul of the Thames Estuary. As the Minister says: "stand on top of one of central London's tower blocks, look east and you will see one of the most biologically rich and valuable landscapes in the UK", but it's under pressure. "A bird's eye view is all very well", he said, then added. "But, I'm keen to encourage people to make their views known about the developments that are good for them on the ground and good for the environment, because that will be good for business." I paraphrased a bit, but that's the gist.
Who's involved?
The event brought together residents, farmers, politicians, leaders from business, industry, transport, development and charities. It's a start but there are more communities and sectors we need to reach out to; such the fishing and tourism sectors, faith groups, minority communities and young people, especially young people because what we're talking about is what they'll inherit.
Mr Pickles was concious of this too, saying "take the spirit of London, Essex and Kent to make a place that reed warblers, kingfishers, brent geese and people can enjoy; it’s our birthright’".
What's the payoff?
Several people at the event pointed out the UK's green economy is growing while other sectors stagnate or wither. In fact, the green economy is bigger than that generated by the UK's motor trade. A sobering thought with Dagenham just down the road. The Communities minister described east London as once being London's most polluted and dreadful area, but recounted how he’d spotted a meadow pipit in the wildflower meadows at the Olympic Park last year. To him, that bird is like a phoenix. A symbol of how putting nature at the heart of development can completely transform an area.
I know what he was saying, but as someone who lives in Hackney, I must say it wasn't dreadful before the Olympics. Some of those brownfield sites were home to black redstarts and other species. Some of them have moved on, but in their place there is a more varied biodiversity, cleaner and navigable waterways, more job opportunities for local people and improved community facilities too.
So what's next?
Join us in raising your voice to speak-up for your birthright. Shout Je Thames (#jethames on Twitter) and let us know if you think development of the Thames Estuary, with people and nature at its heart, is what you'd like to bequeath to future generations.
Is this just another ploy to get money?
No. This is an opportunity to turn the Thames Estuary into an economic and environmental powerhouse.
Whether you're a farmer or gardener managing your land for wildlife; an industrialist building a shipping port; a teacher taking students out of the classroom to explore the world; a transport planner improving public networks; a commercial mussel farmer; an individual with a business plan, or a parent on a family day out along the Thames - we can all collectively make it happen.