A CENTRE with ambitions to become a global exemplar in tackling climate change has officially been launched in the Wee Count last week.

Scotland's International Environment Centre (SIEC), a project part of the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Deal, will be looking to drive forward the creation of a net-zero regional economy across the Forth Valley.

As previously highlighted, SIEC is to become a pioneering collaboration that will create an innovation community in the wider area and deliver transformational change in sustainable business practice.

This will include an ambitious package of work to support sustainable jobs, growth and inward investment.

The centre, which will be based at Forth Valley College in Alloa is the first project launched as part of the wider city deal and is a partnership between councils, the college and the University of Stirling.

SIEC's first flagship project is the previously highlighted Forth Environmental Resilience Array (Forth-ERA) project, which is already underway.

It brings together a combination of satellite and land-based environmental monitoring sensors to provide industry, regulators, policymakers and communities with live environmental data and analytics.

Hopes are that the pioneering project, which was launched to an international audience at COP26, will provide an international exemplar of good practice, and position Stirling and Clackmannanshire at the forefront of discussions on the response to the climate emergency.

Ellen Forson, Clackmannanshire Council leader, said: “The launch of Scotland’s International Environment Centre, which will be based in Alloa, marks the start of the generational shift that we need here in Clackmannanshire.

“It will provide jobs and skills to inspire our young people to engage with industry as well as attract the businesses and create the opportunities that will help us make a successful transition to net-zero and create wealth that stays within the local economy.

"It is the platform for a more confident Clackmannanshire to drive forward our future ambitions for the Wee County.

“Scotland’s International Environment Centre won't just be based in Clackmannanshire; it will deliver for Clackmannanshire, and as a council, we are proud to be a partner in this innovative project."

In a bid to ensure the region's workforce is equipped with the skills and confidence to thrive in a climate-changed future, the Young Pathfinders programme – involving a number of Clacks schools – will empower young people across the region to have a strong voice in the development of the centre.

Sir Gerry McCormac, principal of the University of Stirling, added: “Not only will SIEC support jobs, growth and investment, but the approach we are taking will become a global exemplar of how we can work together to end our contribution to climate change within a generation.”

For more about SIEC, visit bit.ly/3C5kxJG.