Agenda 21

A county-wide project, following the 1992 Rio Earth Summit.

This seeks to encourage communities to develop a Local Agenda 21 - an action plan for change in the 21st Century which recognises the integral links between economic and social activities and damage to the environment. The county council is involved in a number of Local Agenda 21 projects.

Introduction

Day in day out, every move we make has an impact on the world.

What we do should help improve the world we live in, rather than add to the damage we have already done.

In 1992, world leaders met at the Rio Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. They signed up to a plan for change in the 21st century - Agenda 21. It aims to improve the way we live so we can have a better quality of life.

We have been working with local communities, organisations, and the county's district councils, to produce an agenda for Derbyshire's future. We have called it the Challenge - a Local Agenda 21 strategy for Derbyshire.

Meeting the challenge

This is not just about the environment it's also about our working lives and our communities. It exists to enable everyone in the county to suggest solutions to problems, raise issues and seek help. And, sometimes, it can help find the funds to support projects.

Things will only happen if we make them happen. In some parts of the county, they are already happening.

For instance, people in Tideswell and Shirebrook have been working with us, and other organisations, on Local Agenda 21 pilot projects. They have joined to produce their own local agendas for a better quality of life in the next century.

There is help for anyone wishing to make a start. Get in touch with your district council. They will be glad to hear from you.

We could support projects which promote a better way of life for schools and communities with a 'Green Action' grant.

Details of what we have done and what we plan to do are in a booklet called the Challenge - a Local Agenda 21 strategy for Derbyshire. You can get a free copy by calling us on 01629 580000 ext 7341. Or email maggie.bishop@derbyshire.gov.uk.

Use the links on the left to find out more about how you can get involved.

There are hundreds of other ways you can become involved as an individual. Just making a few minor adjustments to what you already do could help preserve and improve your environment.