Sustainable development
Sustainable development
The term sustainable development was coined in 1987 by a UN Commission chaired by the former Prime Minister of Norway Gro Harlem Brundtland (Brundtland Report).
The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 established the concept of sustainable development as a mission statement for the international community and as the underlying principle of the Agenda 21. The Agenda 21 programme was adopted as a blueprint of action for the 21st century. Sustainable development meets the quality of life needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The concept of sustainable development accords equal weight to social justice, ecological sustainability and economic sustainability.
Local Agenda 21
As so many of the problems and solutions addressed by Agenda 21 have their roots in local activities, the participation and cooperation of local authorities is a determining factor in fulfilling its objectives. Local authorities are expected to work to establish a consultative process with their populations to set up and implement a “local Agenda 21” for the community. Baden-Württemberg has been particularly active in implementing the local Agenda 21. One in three local councils in Baden-Württemberg have adopted a local agenda as a programme for the future. Around 300 local and regional agenda projects have received financial support from the State Government since 1999. Local agenda processes have consequently grown into numerous think tanks for sustainable development, each of which makes its own contribution to securing a sustainable future for Baden-Württemberg. Local authorities are supported by the Agenda Office at the Landesanstalt für Umwelt, Messungen und Naturschutz Baden-Württemberg (LUBW) [State Agency for Environment, Measurements and Nature Conservation Baden-Württemberg].
Baden-Württemberg’s sustainability strategy
With the launch in 2007 of its “Shaping tomorrow’s world today – sustainability strategy in Baden-Württemberg” strategy the State of Baden-Württemberg has once again assumed a pioneering role in Germany. In the context of complex social, economic and ecological issues, endeavours must be made to experiment with and anchor new structures of collaboration between policymakers, administrators and local organisations in local communities. The objective of sustainability project strategies is to develop specific answers and solutions to sustainability issues. Currently, projects are being implemented in the following areas:
The sustainability strategy draws its strength from the involvement of many different players: initiatives for the target groups of young people, businesses and local activists as well as a focus on “sustainable administration” all lay the groundwork for wide community-based involvement.
Other LinksState Agency for Environment, Measurements and Nature Conservation Baden-Württemberg
The term sustainable development was coined in 1987 by a UN Commission chaired by the former Prime Minister of Norway Gro Harlem Brundtland (Brundtland Report).
The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 established the concept of sustainable development as a mission statement for the international community and as the underlying principle of the Agenda 21. The Agenda 21 programme was adopted as a blueprint of action for the 21st century. Sustainable development meets the quality of life needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The concept of sustainable development accords equal weight to social justice, ecological sustainability and economic sustainability.
Local Agenda 21
As so many of the problems and solutions addressed by Agenda 21 have their roots in local activities, the participation and cooperation of local authorities is a determining factor in fulfilling its objectives. Local authorities are expected to work to establish a consultative process with their populations to set up and implement a “local Agenda 21” for the community. Baden-Württemberg has been particularly active in implementing the local Agenda 21. One in three local councils in Baden-Württemberg have adopted a local agenda as a programme for the future. Around 300 local and regional agenda projects have received financial support from the State Government since 1999. Local agenda processes have consequently grown into numerous think tanks for sustainable development, each of which makes its own contribution to securing a sustainable future for Baden-Württemberg. Local authorities are supported by the Agenda Office at the Landesanstalt für Umwelt, Messungen und Naturschutz Baden-Württemberg (LUBW) [State Agency for Environment, Measurements and Nature Conservation Baden-Württemberg].
Baden-Württemberg’s sustainability strategy
With the launch in 2007 of its “Shaping tomorrow’s world today – sustainability strategy in Baden-Württemberg” strategy the State of Baden-Württemberg has once again assumed a pioneering role in Germany. In the context of complex social, economic and ecological issues, endeavours must be made to experiment with and anchor new structures of collaboration between policymakers, administrators and local organisations in local communities. The objective of sustainability project strategies is to develop specific answers and solutions to sustainability issues. Currently, projects are being implemented in the following areas:
- Sustainable energy services and use
- Production and work
- Sustainable development of towns, cities and regions
- Quality of life
- Sustainable social development
- Education and knowledge as the driving forces behind sustainable development.
The sustainability strategy draws its strength from the involvement of many different players: initiatives for the target groups of young people, businesses and local activists as well as a focus on “sustainable administration” all lay the groundwork for wide community-based involvement.
Other LinksState Agency for Environment, Measurements and Nature Conservation Baden-Württemberg
