Clear objectives were set at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 for local authorities to prepare, implement and monitor a Local Agenda 21 (LA21): a strategic programme, plan or policy for achieving sustainable development locally, derived through consultation with citizens and relevant local stakeholders.

Sustainable Communities in Europe presents detailed research into the participation and involvement of local communities in 11 European countries. Overviews of implementation in each country are accompanied by comparative analysis of positive and negative changes to date. Useful examples of best practice case studies are provided, and crucial barriers to achieving sustainability are highlighted.

This most broad-based and systematic study of LA21 ever produced offers important lessons and suggestions for the future which will be invaluable in preparations for the forthcoming Earth Summit 2002 to be held in Johannesburg.

About the Author
William M Lafferty is professor of political science at the University if Oslo, Norway, director of the Programme for Research and Documentation for a Sustainable Society (ProSus) within the Research Council of Norway and co-editor of From the Earth Summit to Local Agenda 21 (Earthscan, 1998).

Reviews

'Invaluable as a source of collected case studies.'
Cameron Sustainable Development Solutions

'A useful and interesting book for all those that are involved in Local Agenda 21 processes.'
European Circular

'This book is a good read. It covers the ground admirably. The authors are all experienced and writing to a plan of analysis.'
Environmental Science & Policy

Book Information
ISBN 9781853837913
Author William M Lafferty
Format Paperback
Page Count 336
Imprint Earthscan Ltd
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 453g