THE first comprehensive report on the Environmental Economy of an English region has been launched at the Lowry Centre in Manchester.

A detailed look at the North-west includes references to the successful transformation of Manchester City Centre and other "quality of life" initiatives in towns like Bolton.

One section of the report reads: "Bolton has focused strongly on the development of arts and culture, capitalising on its Octagon Theatre and now in its third year of Blue Badge walks.

"These walks are provided by local guides with the necessary knowledge and experience and run to show people around the town's industrial heritage and sites."

It notes that the town has a specific policy for the "evening economy" and is nurturing a range of night time facilities.

"Like nearby Manchester, Bolton has a Town Centre Partnership (now a limited company) backed by the private sector and having the aim of improving local facilities and image, designing out crime, improving infrastructure and providing a safe place to shop."

The report was commissioned by a partnership.

These were: British Waterways, Countryside Agency, English Nature, Envirolink North West, Environment Agency, Farming and Rural Conservation Agency, Forestry Commission, Government Office North West, National Trust, North West Development Agency, North West Regional Assembly, North West Water, RSPB, Sustainability North West and the Wildlife Trusts.

It found that the North West's environment sustains more than 100,000 of the region's jobs and generates almost £3 billion per annum in business.

The report sets out key areas for future work which include:

Reducing the amount of waste and dependency on landfill.

Reducing the amount of energy used and dependency on fossil fuels.

Growing quality food and improving the way it is marketed.

Supporting the growth of companies providing environmental technologies and services.

Continuing an urban renaissance and providing new regional parks for people and wildlife.

Making the area more attractive for investment.

Providing a high quality environment for visitors and promoting responsible tourism.

Increasing the tree cover of the area.

Mr Peter Fox, Principal Scientist with the Environment Agency, said: "For the first time, this report demands recognition of the environment sector as a significant socio-economic force in the North-west."

He pointed out that the environment sector employed five times more people than energy and water and slightly more than the construction industry.

"It is only by putting the value of the environment in its economic context that we can effectively plan for its future growth and wellbeing," he said.

The full report -- "The Environmental Economy of the North West -- a drive for economic and social progress" -- is available on the internet at www.englandsnorthwest