Agenda 21

Agenda 21 is an action plan for the 21st Century covering the following topics:

A21/1 Preamble A21/2 Sustainable Dev. A21/3 Combating Poverty A21/4 Consumption Patterns A21/5 Sustainability A21/6 Human Health A21/7 Human Settlements A21/8 Decision Making A21/9 Atmosphere A21/10 Land Resources A21/11 Combating Deforestation A21/12 Desertification A21/13 Mountain Development A21/14 Agriculture A21/15 Biological Diversity A21/16 Biotechnology A21/17 Oceans A21/18 Freshwater Resources A21/19 Toxic Chemicals A21/20 Hazardous Wastes

A21/21 Solid Wastes A21/22 Radioactive Wastes A21/23 Preamble Major Groups A21/24 Women A21/25 Children & Youth A21/26 Indigenous People A21/27 NGOs A21/28 Local Authorities A21/29 Trade Unions A21/30 Business & Industry A21/31 Science & Technology A21/32 Role of Farmers A21/33 Financial Resources A21/34 Technology Transfer A21/35 Science A21/36 Education A21/37 Capacity Building A21/38 Institutions A21/39 Legal Instruments A21/40 Information

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PREAMBLE

NOTE: This is a final, advanced version of a chapter of Agenda 21, as adopted by the Plenary in Rio de Janeiro, on June 14, 1992. This document will be further edited, translated into the official languages, and published by the United Nations for the General Assembly this autumn.

1.1. Humanity stands at a defining moment in history. We are confronted with a perpetuation of disparities between and within nations, a worsening of poverty, hunger, ill health and illiteracy, and the continuing deterioration of the ecosystems on which we depend for our well-being. However, integration of environment and development concerns and greater attention to them will lead to the fulfilment of basic needs, improved living standards for all, better protected and managed ecosystems and a safer, more prosperous future. No nation can achieve this on its own; but together we can - in a global partnership for sustainable development.

1.2. This global partnership must build on the premises of General Assembly resolution 44/228 of 22 December 1989, which was adopted when the nations of the world called for the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, and on the acceptance of the need to take a balanced and integrated approach to environment and development questions.

1.3. Agenda 21 addresses the pressing problems of today and also aims at preparing the world for the challenges of the next century. It reflects a global consensus and political commitment at the highest level on development and environment cooperation. Its successful implementation is first and foremost the responsibility of Governments. 1/ National strategies, plans, policies and processes are crucial in achieving this. International cooperation should support and supplement such national efforts. In this context, the United Nations system has a key role to play. Other international, regional and subregional organizations are also called upon to contribute to this effort. The broadest public participation and the active involvement of the non-governmental organizations and other groups should also be encouraged.

1.4. The developmental and environmental objectives of Agenda 21 will require a substantial flow of new and additional financial resources to developing countries, in order to cover the incremental costs for the actions they have to undertake to deal with global environmental problems and to accelerate sustainable development. Financial resources are also required for strengthening the capacity of international institutions for the implementation of Agenda 21. An indicative order of magnitude assessment of costs is included in each of the programme areas. This assessment will need to be examined and refined by the relevant implementing agencies and organizations.

1.5. In the implementation of the relevant programme areas identified in Agenda 21, special attention should be given to the particular circumstances facing the economies in transition. It must also be recognized that these countries are facing unprecedented challenges in transforming their economies, in some cases in the midst of considerable social and political tension.

1.6. The programme areas that constitute Agenda 21 are described in terms of the basis for action, objectives, activities and means of implementation. Agenda 21 is a dynamic programme. It will be carried out by the various actors according to the different situations, capacities and priorities of countries and in full respect of all the principles contained in the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development. It could evolve over time in the light of changing needs and circumstances. This process marks the beginning of a new global partnership for sustainable development.

1.7. Throughout Agenda 21 the term "environmentally sound" means "environmentally safe and sound", in particular when applied to the terms "energy sources", "energy supplies", "energy systems", or "technology/technologies".

Notes

1/ When the term Governments is used, it will be deemed to include the European Economic Community within its areas of competence.

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