Local Agenda 21

( Article Type: Explanation )

The Agenda 21 document says that local government (the local authorities and municipalities) should draw up 'Local Agenda' to reshape the policies, laws and regulations of their districts to fit in with sustainable ideals. This includes participation and cooperation of local communities and authorities to address the problems and solutions in terms of local environmental, economic and social circumstances. Local Agenda 21 is the name given to initiatives aimed at local authorities.

A number of metropolitan areas (Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, Pretoria) have already prepared State of the Environment Reports in compliance with the directions given in Agenda 21. These reports, along with the national State of the Environment Report, are available on a website, where they will be supplemented by updated information, as it becomes available. The reports can be obtained by contacting the municipalities and the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, direct at: www.environment.gov.za/soer/index