Planetary Health links the things we do, with the health of people and the health of the planet, and for all life.

Its aim is to provide a framework for us to reassess and adapt human practices to better support a healthy planet for current and future generations. 

It also includes learning from sustainable resource management practices that have been used by traditional peoples from around the world for millennia. 

 

Blue Mountains Planetary Health Initiative

The new Blue Mountains Planetary Health Initiative inspires us to look at ourselves and our planet, from a different perspective. 

Recognising that #WeAreNature and that all life is interconnected, helps us see that everything we do to the planet affects us, and our health.

Equally, the way we treat ourselves and each other and all other species, ultimately also impacts the wider health of our planet.

Sustainability lies at the heart of our Community Vision.

At this critical moment in global history, we embrace our responsibility to not only ensure the environmental, social and economic sustainability of our community at a local level, but to also contribute to the overall health of the planet.

We believe we are well-placed to do this for the following reasons: 

  • We have been on a Sustainability Journey for more than 20 years.
  • We are a City surrounded by a World Heritage Area – one of only two cities in the world.
  • We are responsible for managing significant natural assets that underpin the identity and health of the region, including 10,000 hectares of bushland, 300km of creeks, 20 hectares of open freshwater bodies and 500 hectares of Endangered Ecological communities.
  • We are one of the most bushfire prone areas in the world - and we are seeing the affects of climate change now!
Image: 'Into the Blue' a permanent exhibition at the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre
 

Why should local government play a leading role in Planetary Health?

Local Government is the level of government closest to the people, and it is in the best position to work with the community to consider all matters that influence the health of a City.

Planetary Health requires us to understand all connections and interconnections and working with our community, we can provide insight on this, in a unique setting at this extraordinary time.  

We can Think Locally and Act Globally.

The future needs us now... we are #GenerationRestoration!

 
Want to get in touch?

Contact Lis Bastian, Council's Senior Program Lead for the Planetary Health Local Action Program at: planetaryhealth@bmcc.nsw.gov.au.