This collection of in-depth case studies emphasizes the diversity and inventiveness of local initiatives since the Rio 'Earth Summit' within different national settings. From the Earth Summit to Local Agenda 21offers a realistic counterpoint to the official monitoring and assessment procedures of national governments and international bodies. It highlights the problems of assessment and policy evaluation and clearly sets out the policy stages necessary for more effective realization of Local Agenda 21 objectives.
Notes on Contributor
List of Abbreviations and Acronyms
Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgements
1. Introduction: The Nature and Purpoqe of 'Local Agenda 21'
2. Finland: Working With LA2 I Under Conditions of Economic Uncertainty
Anita Niemi-lilahti
3. Sweden: Setting the Pace with Pioneer Municipalities and Schools
Katarina Eckerberg, Bjorn Forsberg and Per Wickenberg
4. Norway: Confronting the Inertia of Existing Reforms
Carlo Aall
5. Germany: Five Years After Rio and Still Uphill All the Way'?
Christiane Beuerrnann
6. Austria: A Late Start with a Strong Potential
Otto Schiitz
7. The Netherlands: Subsidized Seeds in Fertile Soil
Frans H.J.M. Cocnen
8. The United Kingdom: A Mirage Beyond the Participation Hurdle?
Stephen Young
9. Ireland: Does the Road from Rio Lead Rack to Brussels?
Ger Mullally
10. Conclusions: Cornparative Perspectives on Evaluation and Explanation
Katarina Eckerberg and William M. Lafl?rty
Appendix I: Agenda 21, Chapter 28: Local Authorities Initiatives in Support of Agenda 21
Appendix 2: Country Reports on Chapter 28 of Agenda 21, Submitted to DPCSDl 'Earth Summit +5':
Special Session of the United Nations General Assembly, New York, June 23-27 1997
Appendix 3: The Bellagio Principles:Guidelines for Practical Assessment of Progress Toward
Sustainable Development