Work with people and communities to create better places

A good quality environment can help to enhance people’s lives and support a sustainable economy.

But climate change, population growth and higher consumer expectations are putting pressure on the environment. Many people are concerned about what this means for them and their community – from the effects of pollution on their health, to how much water and other resources will be available and the effects of flooding and coastal erosion.

We will work more closely with people and communities to create better places and to help people to enjoy the environment and the benefits that this can bring. We will also work to protect people from environmental risks, including flooding, and work within communities to develop shared solutions.

• See our aims and outcomes for this theme (PDF, 48KB)

Supporting strategies

This element of our strategy is supported by a number of supporting strategies that show in more detail how we will work in specific areas to achieve the aims set out in our strategy: 

• Angling navigation and recreation supporting strategy (PDF, 1MB)
  In the year from April 2008 to April 2009,around 32 million people visited the rivers, canals and lakes of England and Wales.
  Find out more about our work in recreation

• Climate change and energy sub-strategy (PDF, 1MB)
  Climate change caused by humans is one of the greatest threats to people and the environment.
  Find out more about our work on climate change

• Flood and coastal risk management sub-strategy (PDF, 1MB)
  Over 5.5 million, or one in six, properties are at risk of flooding from all sources across England and Wales.
  Find out more about our work on flooding

• Sustainable places sub-strategy (PDF, 1MB)
  By 2030, there could be up to 30 per cent more households in England and 25 per cent more in Wales. This will put pressure on natural resources and stretch the capacity of some environmental infrastructure.
  Find out more about our work on sustainable places

• Waste and resource management sub-strategy (PDF, 1MB)
  Population growth and consumption patterns are placing an unsustainable burden on the planet's resources.
  Find out more about our work on waste

• Water sub-strategy (PDF, 1MB)
  Water is precious. People want enough to meet their needs and to support wildlife and recreation.
  
  Find out more about our work on water