Sustainable Development and Local Agenda 21

The Sector
Local Agenda 21 (LA21) is the process through which communities’ businesses and government can come together to plan for and implement Sustainable Development.  In 1987, a report was produced for the World Commission on Environment and Development which highlighted that the global rate of natural resource consumption seriously threatened the long-term security of the planet. This report emphasised that significant changes in our everyday activities would be required to avoid future world problems such as poverty, ill-health and disease, gender imbalance, environmental degradation and accelerating use of natural resources. Thus, the concept of a “Local” Agenda 21 was distinguished with the basic underlying principle of “think globally, act locally.”

Sector Profile
Most LA21 officers are employed by local authorities, where some have set up a whole sustainability department which inputs to waste recycling, energy, education and health. Relations with local businesses are very important; in many areas, the regional development agencies act as the link between business and the local authorities. Of the 50 or so Groundwork Trusts, the majority employ a sustainability officer with the same range of inputs as local authorities, although usually with more emphasis on education, business and organic horticulture. 

Issues and Trends
Whilst demonstrable commitment to sustainable development from central government may appear to fluctuate, the UK is further advanced than many other nations with regard to some aspects of sustainability. There are some very forward thinking local authorities, who have adopted a whole range of waste collection and processing measures, and a major task of LA21 officers employed by the more reticent councils to bring them up to speed.  Most LA21 officers will be expected to have enough knowledge to advise local businesses on where to gain advice on the relevant rules and regulations.