The Xunta de Galicia is advocating for administrative simplification to ensure a balance between environmental conservation and sustainable development, as explained by the Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Nicolás Vázquez Iglesias, during his speech at the Green Thursday event: Galicia that cares for the future.
Vázquez Iglesias highlighted that the protection of natural heritage must go hand in hand with progress and well-being, urging Galicia to seize the opportunities presented by the environmental economy to innovate, create wealth, and generate jobs. He described Galicia as a "privileged place" and stressed the importance of using resources sustainably. "Environmental protection is not an option; it is absolutely necessary," he asserted, adding that sustainability must be integral to business strategies.
In this pursuit of a more sustainable economic model, Vázquez Iglesias called for dialogue between public administrations and the productive sector, placing citizens at the centre of this initiative. The Ministry for Environment and Climate Change has already promoted initiatives in this direction, such as the Galician Climate Alliance, which brings together 273 economic and social entities committed to reducing emissions and adopting best practices in their activities. Another initiative is the Industrial Circular Economy Office, which advises businesses on transitioning to more sustainable business models.
Furthermore, Vázquez Iglesias cited the coastline as an example of the compatibility between conserving natural heritage and generating opportunities, as well as the Xunta's commitment to streamlining and simplifying procedures. He noted that since Galicia took over the management of coastal functions and services, procedures that previously took years to resolve are now completed in a matter of months, creating new opportunities.
In conclusion, the minister reiterated that the Xunta will support the productive sector in its journey towards building a more competitive, sustainable, and future-oriented Galicia.
