This is the working document that articulates goals and strategies for the Northwest Regional Sustainable Development Partnership.
FY 2008 Work Plan for Northwest Partnership
The Board’s Collective Vision
We envision…
… a strong regional economy consistent with sustainable development,
… a recognition of interdependence evident in regional thinking and practice,
… opportunities for people to live and work in the region,
… quality education for all ages,
… healthy and functional ecosystems.
Mission Statement:
The Northwest Regional Sustainable Development Partnership will connect and enhance resources of the region and the University of Minnesota to develop a sustainable regional community by educating and empowering citizens to explore and act on their ideas.
Community – University Connections Goals
1. Continue to improve RSDP visibility and effectiveness in the region and within the U of M system through timely, clear and concise communication.
Strategy: Share the NWP vision with other groups and build a strong shared vision in the region that describes a sustainable future.
2. Support the work of the Statewide Coordinating Committee and the RSDP program statewide.
Strategy: Inform the SCC about our regional priorities, and be informed about the SCC work.
3. Partner with and clarify collaboration with the Center for Sustainable Development at UMC
Programmatic Goals of the Northwest Partnership for July 2006 to June 2007
Natural Resource Goals:
1. Build partnerships with citizens, communities, agencies and University partners that value land, water and wildlife resources.
2. Support research addressing protection and enhancement of natural resources as well as opportunities to utilize natural resources in the region.
3. Advise policy at local, state and regional levels, to protect and enhance natural resources and ecosystems.
Agriculture Goals:
1. Focus on three areas within agriculture: New Crops/New Products; Market Access; Policy
2. Support research to address farmers’ priorities regarding sustainable cropping systems, conservation, specialty crops and organic production in the region.
3. Advise agricultural and rural policy, promoting the model of sustainable agriculture.
4. Support research and marketing efforts to diversify agricultural economy in the region.
Tourism Goals:
1. Build partnerships with citizens and communities that build capacity for sustainable tourism activities in the region.
2. Support research to provide baseline data and information about tourism industry.
3. Provide assistance in marketing (planning and products) highlighting cultural, historic and nature-based tourism.
Goals for Northwest Partnership involvement in Statewide Ventures – July 2005 to June 2006
Strengthening Local Food Economies Goals:
1. Build partnerships with local producers and other advocates of local foods and healthy foods.
2. Increase the production, marketing and sales of locally grown foods in the region.
3. Link local foods work to the Universirities Strategic Positioning process and other U initiatives such as Green Lands Blue Waters.
Energy Self-Reliance Goals:
1. Involve citizens and communities in defining and planning for a sustainable energy future in the region.
2. Support research, education and outreach activities addressing regional planning, energy sources, conservation and environmental implications of our energy system.
