ICLEI ~ Local Governments for Sustainability

Author: Shona Young ~ Environmental Planning Department, City of Cape Town

( Article Type: Explanation )

ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability – is an international membership association of over 470 local governments, cities, towns, counties and their associations that are committed to sustainable development. ICLEI works with hundreds of local governments through international performancebased, results-oriented campaigns and programmes. They provide technical consulting, training and information services to build capacity, share knowledge, and support local government in the implementation of sustainable development at the local level.

The focus of ICLEI’s campaigns and programmes is to help local government achieve its sustainable development goals (e.g. air quality, climate, water) through a step-by-step process that begins with generating political awareness of key issues, establishing action plans toward defined, concrete, measurable targets, and meeting targets through project implementation and evaluation. One of the most successful projects, the Cities for Climate Protection Campaign, enlists cities to adopt policies and implement measures to reduce local greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality. Over 665 local governments presently participate, representing approximately 12% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

ICLEI held their triennial 2006 World Congress in Cape Town. Hosted by the City of Cape Town, this was the first time that this prestigious event was held in the southern hemisphere. For more information on ICLEI and this event, or how to become a member, visit www.iclei.org