Entrepreneurs in Western North Carolina recognize that opportunities for a vibrant Green Economy are growing day by day. But in order for the region to harness the potential economic impact of these entrepreneurs, there is an immediate demand for comprehensive information about the region’s relevant assets. Though many assume this information is readily available, it’s not. Existing data neglects important elements, covers too few counties, and in most instances needs to be updated.
The primary goal of the Green Economy Asset Mapping Project (AMP) is to understand Western North Carolina’s Green Economy as a system of assets and shared knowledge. This system includes entrepreneurs and their supply chains, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, civic leaders, workforce development and economic development organizations, and assets in the built and natural environment. AMP will provide a full understanding of our region’s asset base, lay the foundation for strategic planning and implementation, deepen understanding of key regional systems and linkages, and catalyze partnerships.
Local involvement is the core of AMP. The Blue Ridge Sustainability Institute will provide necessary tools and resources, but the information will be gathered in 30 counties of Western North Carolina by teams of concerned citizens, who will hand off their results to other teams of concerned citizens, who will turn that knowledge into plans for action.
The promise of AMP is the creation of new jobs that protect the integrity of Western North Carolina’s environment, a national ecological resource.
For further information, or to make suggestions and recommendations, please contact Sandra M. Maxey.
