Local Agenda 21 in the United Kingdom – a review of progress and issues in New Zealand
Agenda 21 is a non-binding framework for action to achieve sustainable development resulting from the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development. Implementation of Agenda 21 at the local level is known as Local Agenda 21. This involves developing partnerships among local authorities, the business sector, NGOs and citizens to improve quality of life through the management and enhancement of the local environment and social and economic conditions.
Local Agenda 21 can work at different levels and be applied in different ways. There is no standard template that can be applied but there are examples of best practice.
The overall picture for sustainable development and Local Agenda 21 in the UK is still very patchy. There is growing local authority interest in Local Agenda 21 but it is also in 'a state of healthy confusion' as statutory duties such as best value and community planning are defined and addressed. Local Agenda 21 has had a good start but how the new duties are implemented and more explicitly linked to sustainable development is the challenge for the future.