Perth-West presents at OECD in Paris
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an international organisation that works to build better policies for better lives, shaping policies that foster prosperity, equality, opportunity and well-being for all. Rural regions have an essential role to play in the transition to a net-zero emissions economy and in building climate change resilience. Innovation in rural regions will be critical in accelerating the transition to net-zero.
Rural Agenda for Climate Action
The Rural Agenda for Climate Action (adopted by the OECD Working Party on Rural Policy and endorsed at COP-26) highlights leading policy practices and needed actions. It demonstrates how rural places can make the most of new opportunities in the transformation to a net-zero economy and facilitates exchange amongst a range of stakeholders involved in implementing this transition.
The main areas to drive progress include:
- Improving the evidence base at the regional and local level;
- Building local capacity;
- Fostering renewable energy;
- Promoting sustainable land management;
- Accelerating the circular and bio-economy;
- Decarbonising transport.
Rural economy & zero emissions
The session in which the SURFLOGH case study Perth-West was presented focused on progressing the outcomes of the OECD's Rural Agenda for Climate Action, and involved policy makers and practitioners. The aim was to share experiences on how the rural economy can help speed up the zero-emission transition and the role of clean fuels, logistics and mobility hubs.
Best practice partnerships
The ARM hub (Advanced Robotics Manufacturing), which forms part of the planned SURFLOGH drone pilot with our partners from the province of Drenthe, was tabled as an example of best practice in partnership between the public, private and academic sectors. On the project’s behalf, Mark Richardson highlighted the role of the rural economy in the design and delivery of infrastructure to support the decarbonisation of transport – particularly in the Heavy Goods Vehicles ( HGV) sector. “We believe this can be achieved through green hydrogen distribution, together with a framework of skills, training and job creation,” says Mark.
Developing relationships & opportunities
Strong links were also drawn with other European projects, including clean fuel production and distribution, the role of the circular economy and green mobility hubs.
The SURFLOGH collaboration will continue to develop relationships with other organisations and programmes, helping to share knowledge and stimulate investment opportunities between the wide range of stakeholders involved in the sustainable freight logistics sector, including OECD partners.
Read more about OECD.