If we were to work differently, what could be done in communities to take local action on climate change?
This was the question behind the founding of GwyrddNi, and the question that brought six social enterprises in Gwynedd together to apply for National Lottery funding to establish a brand new climate change action movement in Gwynedd.
The six social enterprises in question are: Datblygiadau Egni Gwledig (DEG) in Caernarfon, Ynni Llŷn in Pen Llŷn, Cwmni Bro in Bro Ffestiniog, Partneriaeth Ogwen in Dyffryn Ogwen, Yr Orsaf/Siop Griffiths in Dyffryn Nantlle and Cyd Ynni in Dyffryn Peris.
The clear aim was to establish a movement that would bring people together in the five areas (all of the above except Caernarfon), to learn about climate change and a wide range of ways to respond locally to this challenge, before discussing and deciding together on a local Climate Action Plan. The second part of the work will be to implement the plan and realise the ideas of the communities.
After much research into the different ways of doing this, the GwyrddNi team has decided that Community Assemblies are the best forum for this in our communities here in Gwynedd, where there is already a long tradition of coming together in the community, whether it’s at a rugby club, at a gig, at chapel, at a coffee morning or to go out for a walk.
Mid-March this year an official invitation to register an interest in joining a Community Assembly will be sent to all residents of these areas, and people (over 16) will have until Monday 4 April 2022 to register.
After the deadline, 50 people will be selected in each area to attend the assembly to represent the wider community, to begin the exciting work of creating a Climate Action Plan and in doing to creating a healthy and happy future for the communities. Every effort is made by the GwyrddNi team to ensure that the 50 members reflect the area in terms of age, gender, ethnicity, educational background and views on climate change. This is an opportunity for everyone - not just people who are concerned about climate change. For it to work it needs the support and voice of the whole community.
Once assembled, the members will hear from guest speakers of all kinds, both local and from further afield, about various themes and topics. Then the 50 will start thinking and discussing what kind of activities, plans or projects to take action on climate change might work in their area.
It’s important to note that we as GwyrddNi staff are here to facilitating. We’re here to bring people together, to do the organising and the admin, but it’s the residents of Pen Llŷn, Bro Ffestiniog, Dyffryn Nantlle, Dyffryn Ogwen and Dyffryn Peris will be fully responsible for the content of each area’s Climate Action Plan. As Nina Bentley, Green Facilitator at Bro Ffestiniog explains:
“The most important thing in all of this is the voice and opinions of the communities; GwyrddNi is here to coordinate and facilitate but it is the people of these areas who, together decide what they would like to see happen locally to tackle climate change, to ensure a healthy, prosperous future, and to create a positive future for the next generations. ”
For more information or to contact GwyrddNi visit www.gwyrddni.cymru/en/ and don’t forget to give them a follow on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Casia Wiliam
GwyrddNi Community Communications Officer
Casia@deg.cymru
07973612966