§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what budget has been allocated by her Department to raise awareness on environmental issues linked to the Johannesburg summit. [67077]
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§ Mr. MeacherThe World summit on Sustainable Development takes place in Johannesburg from 26 August to 4 September. Many environmental issues relate to the agenda so it is not possible to isolate a specific budget. However, through the Environmental Action Fund we are helping voluntary organisations in England to promote sustainable development. For 2002–03 we have allocated £1.4 million to 25 projects promoting 'biodiversity' and £3.1 million to 58 projects promoting the 'understanding and awareness of sustainable development'. In 2001–02 the Environmental Action Fund supported 115 projects promoting 'sustainable living' to the tune of £4.2 million. In addition, DEFRA supports Environmental Campaigns Ltd and the Energy Saving Trust's Energy Efficiency Campaign, and last financial year provided over £8.2 million (it is not possible to disaggregate a small element of Scottish Executive support for the Energy Saving Trust from this figure) for both. We expect to provide a similar level of support for this financial year.
One of the aims of the DEFRA Sustainable Development Strategy, 'Foundations for our Future', launched last month, is to raise awareness of sustainable development within staff in DEFRA. £120,000 has been earmarked over this coming year for this.