Definition of theme Why is this theme important to small towns? What are the consequences of small towns ignoring the theme? The loss of local environmental quality can lead to: Negative impacts upon human health from local sources of land, air, noise, light or water pollution; or Economic decline due to a loss of investor and/or tourist base; Loss of traditional employment opportunities due to forestry or agricultural land being sold for development; Reduced sense of community as the town expands rapidly into the countryside. Loss of wildlife habitats and biodiversity. What have we discovered about this theme? Case Studies What we recommend Strategy Wheel Content