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What is sustainable development?
It is the simple idea of ensuring a better quality of life for everyone, now and for generations to come. A widely-used international definition is 'development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs'.
Although the idea is simple, the task is substantial. It means balancing four objectives at the same time:
For further explanation and information look at the |Government's sustainable development website
Local Agenda 21
One of the outcomes of the Earth Summit held in Rio in 1992 was Local Agenda 21 (LA21), a local action plan for sustainable development. All UK local authorities had to develop a LA21 Strategy by December 2000. Government Guidance has since recommended that the LA21 Strategy becomes an integral part of a community strategy.
What is a community strategy?
The Local Government Act 2000 placed a duty on all local authorities to prepare a |community strategy to promote and improve economic, social and environmental well-being of their area, and to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development in the UK.
It is recommended that the strategy is developed with the involvement of the local community and prepared through a local strategic partnership (LSP) bringing together participants from public, private, voluntary and community organisations working locally.
Elmbridge Environmental Forum
|Elmbridge Environmental Forum, previously known as TASC21 (Towards a Sustainable Community), is a local organisation that seeks to co-ordinate community participation in sustainable development.
If you are interested in getting involved in the Forum they can be contacted through the |Community Planning and Partnerships Co-ordinator at Elmbridge Borough Council on 01372 474377
Sustainable lifestyles
Everyone wants to improve their quality of life. There are many easy and small steps you can take at home, at work and in the shops to improve your own and your community's quality of life. |Find out more about the We Are What You Do campaign and how you can take part.
Sustainable business
The Surrey Sustainable Business Partnership has helped develop a number of initiatives to support and encourage local business to become more sustainable and make savings at the same time. More details of these initiatives can be found on the |egeneration Surrey website