§ Mr. DafisTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assistance he is providing to the Environment Agency to further the promotion of eco-tourism on the Somerset Levels. [89019]
§ Mr. MealeThe Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions provides the Agency with grant in aid each year to enable it to carry out its statutory duties. One of its duties is to promote the conservation and enhancement of water and associated land for recreational purposes. In addition the Agency is a lead organisation for flood defence and water level management, both of which contribute to the distinctive landscape of the area.
The Agency is just one of many organisations that has a role in maintaining, managing and developing the internationally important Somerset Levels wetland area. An organisation known as the Levels and Moors Partnership (LAMP) was set up some years ago to bring all the partnership organisations together to address such issues as the socio-economic development of the Levels. This work has included the development of a sustainable 372W tourism strategy which recognises the economic needs of the local people and the needs of visitors, while providing effective protection to the environment.