Local Government Management Board
Local Agenda 21 Case Study Project

In the UK we have found that we receive more requests for examples of Local Agenda 21 in practice than for anything else. As a result we started a project to gather examples of 'interesting' or 'useful' (not necessarily 'good' or 'best') practice at the local level, and make them available to a wider audience. This project is called the Local Agenda 21 Case Study Project, and we are pleased to share the results of this work with others, both in the UK and in other countries, who would like to learn about good ideas for Local Agenda 21 - what has worked and what hasn't.

We have asked local authorities, voluntary organisations, community groups, businesses and other organisations to submit their case studies to us for selection and eventual publication. Any type of project, event or process is eligible, as long as it observes the principles of Local Agenda 21 ie contributes to the sustainability of an area and involves partnership working.

A proforma has been developed which asks for information about the project/initiative, including a description of the work undertaken, those involved, outcomes, lessons learned, future development and so on. Completed proformas are submitted and are considered by a project group which meets quarterly to select those considered most useful for wider dissemination.

The group which is steering the project is cross-sectoral and comprises representatives of the Local Government Management Board (LGMB), the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR), the local authority associations, the Community Development Foundation, the Environment Council, World Wide Fund for Nature, and the United Nations Association. The project coordination is being provided by the Environment Resource and Information Centre at the University of Westminster. The funding for the project comes from LGMB and DETR.

The selected case studies are written up in as jargon-free language as possible, and are available in printed format free of charge, as well as on the Local Sustainability website. In order to show the full scope of sustainable development, the case studies are assessed according to what we call the thirteen themes of sustainable development:

Resources	resources are used efficiently and waste is minimised by closing cycles;
Pollution	pollution is limited to levels which natural systems can cope with without damage;
Biodiversity	the diversity of nature is valued and protected;
Local needs	where possible, local needs are met locally;
Basic needs	everyone has access to good food, water, shelter, and fuel at reasonable cost;
Satisfying work	everyone has the opportunity to undertake satisfying work in a diverse economy. The value of unpaid work is recognised, whilst payments for work are fair and fairly distributed;
Health	people's good health is protected by creating safe, clean, pleasant environments and health services which emphasise prevention of illness as well as proper care for the sick;
Access	access to facilities, services, goods and other people is not achieved at the expense of the environment or limited to those with cars;
Safety	people live without fear of personal violence from crime or persecution because of their personal beliefs, race, gender or sexuality;
Knowledge	everyone has access to the skills, knowledge and information needed to enable them to play a full part in society;
Empowerment	all sections of the community are empowered to participate in decision-making;
Leisure	opportunities for culture, leisure and recreation are readily available to all; and
Distinctiveness	places, spaces and objects combine meaning and beauty with utility. Settlements are "human" in scale and form. Diversity and local distinctiveness are valued and protected.

Icons representing those of the thirteen themes covered by each case study are included alongside the text, to provide a quick overview of the types of issues addressed.

In addition to the Case Study Project accessible here, the Local Agenda 21 initiative in the UK has produced a range of guidance materials on the Local Agenda 21. This material is listed under Publications on the Local Government Management Board website which can be reached at www.lgmb.co.uk. Further information about the work of the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions is available on their website at http://www.open.gov.uk/dot/dst/dst_home.htm

For further information on the Case Study Project contact Ben Tuxworth or Elwyn Thomas at ERIC, University of Westminster, 35 Marylebone Road, London, NW1 5LS, tel: +44 171 911 5000, fax: +44 171 911 5171, e-mail: tuxworb@westminster.ac.uk.

For general information on Local Agenda 21 in the UK contact Tony Hams or Jane Morris at the LGMB, 76-86 Turnmill Street, London, EC1M 5QU, tel: +44 171 296 6595/7, fax: +44 171 296 6666, e-mail: local.agenda.21@lgmb.gov.uk.

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