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A Brief Outline
Way back in 1992, at the Earth Summit, Rio de Janeiro, 178 governments endorsed a document called Agenda
21, which
aims to prepare the world for the challenges of the next century, by making World development sustainable.
The most frequently used definition of sustainable development is: “To meet the needs of the present
generation, without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."
Sustainable development is about looking after ourselves without damaging or destroying the earth.
Agenda 21 provides a comprehensive strategy for implementing sustainable development on a global scale.
The original
document is 500 pages and 40 chapters long, covering social, economic and environmental issues. It contains
detailed
proposals on such topics as: combating poverty, changing patterns of production and consumption, human
health,
human habitats, population, protecting the atmosphere, oceans, biodiversity, forests, promoting sustainable
agriculture,
freshwater resources, waste and more.
Agenda 21 encourages people, governments and nations to work together towards a global partnership for
achieving
sustainability. The interconnectedness between countries, and the effect one country’s activities
may have on another
is recognised -- encouraging an atmosphere of mutual respect. The responsibility for sustainable development
lies with
each individual, and all individuals inhabit one world.
Local Agenda 21.
Agenda 21 is not only about the natural environment. It’s about bringing together, environmental,
social and economic
issues, to secure a better quality of life for all people, everywhere. It values the contribution local
people can make to the
development of their own environments, acknowledging that people everywhere have an understanding of
their own
needs. Public involvement in the policy making process of councils is welcomed, with a focus on specific
groups such
as; non governmental organisations, women, local authorities, trade unions, farmers, children and the
young, the
scientific community, business, industry and indigenous peoples.
Local responses to Agenda 21, implemented by County and District Councils, in consultation with the
public, have been
termed “Local Agenda 21’s” (LA21).
“Think Globally, Act Locally,” has become the catch phrase that best represents this global
movement.
LA21 is about taking action on a local level, to create and maintain sustainable lifestyles. Implementing
LA21 needs to
involve everyone; Local Authorities working with individual members of the community, local organisations
and groups.
Each community that creates a sustainable environment
for themselves, adds another piece to the sustainable global jigsaw.
Getting Involved...
Each of us, needs to think about how our lifestyles' impact upon the planet, and upon the quality of
other peoples lives.
So, if you care about the future of your world, and your children’s world, get involved.
There is no legal obligation for Local Authorities to implement a Local Agenda 21 plan. You could help
by finding out what
your local council intends to do, and insisting on sustainable development for your area. By being involved
in a local
action group, or by starting one yourself, you could be empowering yourself and others to make a difference.
Many thanks for your interest and we hope that you feel inspired to get involved. Please help us by
passing this
information (or a copy of it) on to other potentially interested people.
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