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How do we build a thriving, connected and sustainable region where people, places and the planet can flourish? The 4theRegion Podcast explores that question through real conversations with the people who are shaping the future of South West Wales.
4theRegion is a cross-sector movement bringing together businesses, community leaders, organisations, educators and residents who care about the wellbeing of our communities and want to create positive change. Through our events, projects and partnerships, we create space for collaboration, honest discussion and shared action.
This podcast is a way to stay connected to the wide range of voices, ideas and initiatives emerging across Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire. You’ll hear from people working on everything from wellbeing economics to local food, renewable energy, community wealth building, youth empowerment, regional identity and the green economy.
Our goal is simple: strengthen connection across the region so that everyone feels more informed, more inspired and more able to contribute to a happier, healthier and more resilient future. There is so much happening here, so many reasons to feel hopeful, and so many people trying to make a difference.
South West Wales is an incredible place to live and work. By tuning in, we hope you’ll discover ideas, insights and a renewed sense of possibility — because the future of our region really is in our hands.
Episodes
Monday Jul 27, 2020
Monday Jul 27, 2020
Anyone who wants to see a greener, more prosperous, lower carbon, more equal and healthier future for Wales, and for the planet, owes a debt of gratitude to Jane Davidson, former Welsh Government Minister and erstwhile Pro VC of the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, for her pioneering work to embed sustainable development and one-planet principles at the heart of decision making in Wales.
In her new book, '#FutureGen, Lessons from a Small Country', Jane Davidson recounts Wales' journey towards the creation of the The Wellbeing of Future Generations Act of 2015, which was the first piece of legislation anywhere in the world to enshrine the rights of nature and future generations in law. It's the story of how "one small nation responded to global climate issues by radically rethinking public policy for future generations".
In this interview with Jane Davidson, 4theRegion's Dawn Lyle explores what makes the WBFGA so important; the tension between individual responsibility and the need for governments to lead the way; some inspiring stories of sustainable development principles in action across society; and what needs to happen next in order to deliver fully on the promise of the Act in Wales.
#FutureGen is available in audio, ebook and hardback formats.
https://janedavidson.wales/book
Tuesday Jul 21, 2020
Tuesday Jul 21, 2020
Swansea High Street has been the focus of redevelopment efforts by many creative businesses and organisations. What has been the effect on the High Street as a result of lockdown and how can we re-encourage people to safely visit once again? In this roundtable discussion, we invited High Street-based businesses to share their thoughts on transforming the area described as the gateway to the city.
Monday Jul 13, 2020
Monday Jul 13, 2020
What has been the effect on our shopping habits, priorities and values surrounding food as a result of the lockdown? How do we scale up community growing and local food initiatives, and what does the sector need to achieve these goals? In this roundtable discussion, we explore how we can make locally produced food more accessible to communities in rural and urban areas alike, along with the wellbeing and social benefits of community garden spaces.
Thursday Jul 09, 2020
Thursday Jul 09, 2020
Pembrokeshire-based PLANED is one of the organisations committed to making a difference across our region, by improving the quality of life of communities through focusing on their opportunities, potential and helping them to achieve their aspirations. We spoke to the CEO of PLANED, Iwan Thomas, about the communities they work with, projects they are running and what he sees as the priorities for Pembrokeshire and the wider region as we emerge from lockdown.
Monday Jul 06, 2020
Monday Jul 06, 2020
As we begin to reopen the economy, we discussed with businesses and major employers about how we’re going to return to work, and what work looks like now. We explored the possibility of these changes remaining and the longer term impacts for commercial property, transport planning, jobs, and wellbeing. Has the novelty of “working from home” worn off, or could we see more remote working even when offices re-open?
Thursday Jul 02, 2020
Thursday Jul 02, 2020
We spoke to Dr. Ben Reynolds of Urban Foundry about his new initiative, South Wales Food & Drink, intended to provide a central resource for producers to promote themselves and for people across the region to discover and access fantastic local producers. As we emerge from lockdown and begin to feel the reality of its economic impacts, there is one thing we can all do, to support our region’s recovery – and that’s to buy regional.
Sunday Jun 28, 2020
Sunday Jun 28, 2020
Let's talk about our wasteful consumer culture, what we can do about it, and the opportunities to build businesses in the circular economy. Meet Smile Plastics, an amazing company based on Gower, turning yogurt pots (among other things) into beautiful new materials. And hear about the plans from Cwm Environmental, to create a circular economy enterprise hub in Carmarthenshire. Plus, we're joined by Andy Rees, head of Waste Strategy in Welsh Government.
Monday Jun 22, 2020
Monday Jun 22, 2020
Welcome to a new series of online conversations from 4theRegion! In this introductory episode, Dawn Lyle sets out our shared challenge and our collective mission: to build back better, post lockdown, to create sustainable development and a wellbeing economy here in South West Wales.