THE unique environment of the South West is one of its key strengths, and one that sets it apart from other English regions; it is of immense value to those who live, work and visit here.

The economy of the South West of England has grown steadily over the past two decades, with the region contributing nearly eight per cent towards the National Gross Domestic Product and regional GDP growth has consistently outperformed the UK average.

Employment growth in the region has also outstripped that of the country as a whole. Between 1995 and 2000 the region netted an additional 155,000 jobs and trailed only London and the South East in its rate of growth, according to the South West Regional Development Agency.

Over 12 per cent of the regional economy relies on the land, landscape and sea.

The quality of life in the region, often associated with environmental quality and cultural opportunities, is a major attractor of investment, businesses, workers and tourists.

Business efficiency can be enhanced through better environmental management. Environmental technologies and services, such as renewable energy, represent a huge global market where the South West can become a leader.

In identifying the environment as a key driver for the economy, it is vitally important to protect and enhance the region's environmental and cultural capital so that it can continue to benefit the region.

The tourism sector of the South West's economy is one of its largest industries, worth more than £8 billion annually to the South West economy brought in by almost 26 million visitors and bringing employment for over 300,000 people.

Independent study has revealed that shooting supports 70,000 full-time jobs in the UK and boosts the rural economy by £1.6 billion a year.

The research, carried out by Public and Corporate Economic Consultants, PACEC, shows that 480,000 participants spend over £2 billion each year on goods and services.

In the South West, the research showed almost a million individuals participated in events provided by some 10,000 suppliers.

The people who come to our region to shoot also spend their money in shops, hotels and services, making shooting a valuable contributor to the economy, much of the economic benefit concentrated in areas where the rural economy is struggling with changes in traditional industries.

The report also reveals that shooting plays a major role in conserving the countryside. Shooting and shooting-related activities take place over two- thirds of the rural land in the UK, two million hectares of land in the South West alone, with £250 million spent each year on wildlife and habitats.

In addition shooting generates 2.7 million work days on conservation per year; the equivalent of 12,000 full-time jobs.

Here in the West Country the gross value added (GVA) generated by sporting shooting contributes £270 million directly into the rural economy and employs around 12,000 annually.

Since the launch of the Game's On initiative, the sales of game doubled between 2004 and 2006. Sales for game meat such as venison, pheasant and grouse soared 46 per cent during that time to reach £57 million by the end of 2006.

The increase in sales of everyday red meat and poultry grew by only five per cent in comparison.

The popularity of game shows no sign of abating with sales set to rise by a further 47 per cent to hit over £84 million by 2011.

The growth in the popularity of game meat has been further enhanced with the change in the game laws in 2006 that allows game meat to be sold year- round as long as it has been legally shot. This may well encourage more retailers to sell more game, more often throughout the year.