agenda-21.pdf

(b) Human resource development and capacity -building

25.17. The activities should facilitate capacity -building and training activities already contained in other chapters of Agenda 21.

Agenda 21 – Chapter 26 RECOGNIZING AND STRENGTHENING THE ROLE OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLE AND THEIR COMMUNITIES PROGRAMME AREA
Basis for action

26.1. Indigenous people and their communities have an historical relationship with their lands an d are generally descendants of the original inhabitants of such lands. In the context of this chapter the term "lands" is understood to include the environment of the areas which the people concerned traditionally occupy. Indigenous people and their commun ities represent a significant percentage of the global population. They have developed over many generations a holistic traditional scientific knowledge of their lands, natural resources and environment. Indigenous people and their communities shall enjoy the full measure of human rights and fundamental freedoms without hindrance or discrimination. Their ability to participate fully in sustainable development practices on their lands has tended to be limited as a result of factors of an economic, social and historical nature. In view of the interrelationship between the natural environment and its sustainable development and the cultural, social, economic and physical well -being of indigenous people, national and international efforts to implement environmen tally sound and sustainable development should recognize, accommodate, promote and strengthen the role of indigenous people and their communities.

26.2. Some of the goals inherent in the objectives and activities of this programme area are already contained in such international legal instruments as the ILO Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention (No. 169) and are being incorporated into the draft universal declaration on indigenous rights, being prepared by the United Nations working group on indigenous popul ations. The International Year for the World's Indigenous People (1993), proclaimed by the General Assembly in its resolution 45/164 of 18 December 1990, presents a timely opportunity to mobilize further international technical and financial cooperation.

Objectives

26.3. In full partnership with indigenous people and their communities, Governments and, where appropriate, intergovernmental organizations should aim at fulfilling the following objectives:
a. Establishment of a process to empower indigenous people and their communities through measures that include:
i. Adoption or strengthening of appropriate policies and/or legal instruments at the national level;
ii. Recognition that the lands of indigenous people and their communities should be protected from activiti es that are environmentally unsound or that the indigenous people concerned consider to be socially and culturally inappropriate;
iii. Recognition of their values, traditional knowledge and resource management practices with a view to promoting environmentally sound and sustainable development;
iv. Recognition that traditional and direct dependence on renewable resources and ecosystems, including sustainable harvesting, continues to be essential to the cultural, economic and physical well -being of indigenous peopl e and their communities;
v. Development and strengthening of national dispute -resolution arrangements in relation to settlement of land and resource -management concerns;
vi. Support for alternative environmentally sound means of production to ensure a range of choices on how to improve their quality of life so that they effectively participate in sustainable development;
vii. Enhancement of capacity -building for indigenous communities, based on the adaptation and exchange of traditional experience, knowledge and resource-management practices, to ensure their sustainable development;
b. Establishment, where appropriate, of arrangements to strengthen the active participation of indigenous people and their communities in the national formulation of policies, laws and prog rammes relating to resource management and other development processes that may affect them, and their initiation of proposals for such policies and programmes;
c. Involvement of indigenous people and their communities at the national and local levels in resource management and conservation strategies and other relevant programmes established to support and review sustainable development strategies, such as those suggested in other programme areas of Agenda 21.
Activities

26.4. Some indigenous people and their c ommunities may require, in accordance with national legislation, greater control over their lands, self -management of their resources, participation in development decisions affecting them, including, where appropriate, participation in the establishment o r management of protected areas. The following are some of the specific measures which Governments could take:
a. Consider the ratification and application of existing international conventions relevant to indigenous people and their communities (where not y et done) and provide support for the adoption by the General Assembly of a declaration on indigenous rights;
b. Adopt or strengthen appropriate policies and/or legal instruments that will protect indigenous intellectual and cultural property and the right to preserve customary and administrative systems and practices.
26.5. United Nations organizations and other international development and finance organizations and Governments should, drawing on the active participation of indigenous people and their communities, as appropriate, take the following measures, inter alia, to incorporate their values, views and knowledge, including the unique contribution of indigenous women, in resource management and other policies and programmes that may affect them:
a. Appoint a spe cial focal point within each international organization, and organize annual interorganizational coordination meetings in consultation with Governments and indigenous organizations, as appropriate, and develop a procedure within and between operational agencies for assisting Governments in ensuring the coherent and coordinated incorporation of the views of indigenous people in the design and implementation of policies and programmes. Under this procedure, indigenous people and their communities should be informed and consulted and allowed to participate in national decision -making, in particular regarding regional and international cooperative efforts. In addition, these policies and programmes should take fully into account strategies based on local indigenous initiatives;
b. Provide technical and financial assistance for capacity -building programmes to support the sustainable self -development of indigenous people and their communities;
c. Strengthen research and education programmes aimed at:
i. Achieving a bette r understanding of indigenous people's knowledge and management experience related to the environment, and applying this to contemporary development challenges;
ii. Increasing the efficiency of indigenous people's resource management systems, for example, by promoting the adaptation and dissemination of suitable technological innovations;
d. Contribute to the endeavours of indigenous people and their communities in resource management and conservation strategies (such as those that may be developed under appropriate projects funded through the Global Environment Facility and the Tropical Forestry Action Plan) and other programme areas of Agenda 21, including programmes to collect, analyse and use data and other information in support of sustainable development pr ojects.
26.6. Governments, in full partnership with indigenous people and their communities should, where appropriate:
a. Develop or strengthen national arrangements to consult with indigenous people and their communities with a view to reflecting their needs and incorporating their values and traditional and other knowledge and practices in national policies and programmes in the field of natural resource management and conservation and other development programmes affecting them;
b. Cooperate at the regional level , where appropriate, to address common indigenous issues with a view to recognizing and strengthening their participation in sustainable development.
Means of implementation

(a) Financing and cost evaluation

26.7. The Conference secretariat has estimated th e average total annual cost (1993 -2000) of implementing the activities of this programme to be about $3 million on grant or concessional terms. These are indicative and order -of-magnitude estimates only and have not been reviewed by Governments. Actual costs and financial terms, including any that are non -concessional, will depend upon, inter alia, the specific strategies and programmes Governments decide upon for implementation.

(b) Legal and administrative frameworks

26.8. Governments should incorporate, in collaboration with the indigenous people affected, the rights and responsibilities of indigenous people and their communities in the legislation of each country, suitable to the country's specific situation. Developing countries may require technical assi stance to implement these activities.

(c) Human resource development

26.9. International development agencies and Governments should commit financial and other resources to education and training for indigenous people and their communities to develop their c apacities to achieve their sustainable self -development, and to contribute to and participate in sustainable and equitable development at the national level. Particular attention should be given to strengthening the role of indigenous women.

Agenda 21 – Chapter 27 STRENGTHENING THE ROLE OF NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS: PARTNERS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME AREA
Basis for action

27.1. Non-governmental organizations play a vital role in the shaping and implementation of participatory democracy. Their credibility lies in the responsible and constructive role they play in society. Formal and informal organizations, as well as grass -roots movements, should be recognized as partners in the implementation of Agenda 21. The nature of the independent r ole played by non -governmental organizations within a society calls for real participation; therefore, independence is a major attribute of non-governmental organizations and is the precondition of real participation.

27.2. One of the major challenges facing t he world community as it seeks to replace unsustainable development patterns with environmentally sound and sustainable development is the need to activate a sense of common purpose on behalf of all sectors of society. The chances of forging such a sense of purpose will depend on the willingness of all sectors to participate in genuine social partnership and dialogue, while recognizing the independent roles, responsibilities and special capacities of each.

27.3. Non-governmental organizations, including those n on-profit organizations representing groups addressed in the present section of Agenda 21, possess well -established and diverse experience, expertise and capacity in fields which will be of particular importance to the implementation and review of environm entally sound and socially responsible sustainable development, as envisaged throughout Agenda 21. The community of non -governmental organizations, therefore, offers a global network that should be tapped, enabled and strengthened in support of efforts to achieve these common goals.

27.4. To ensure that the full potential contribution of non -governmental organizations is realized, the fullest possible communication and cooperation between international organizations, national and local governments and non -governmental organizations should be promoted in institutions mandated, and programmes designed to carry out Agenda 21. Non -governmental organizations will also need to foster cooperation and communication among themselves to reinforce their effectiveness as ac tors in the implementation of sustainable development.

Objectives
27.5. Society, Governments and international bodies should develop mechanisms to allow non - governmental organizations to play their partnership role responsibly and effectively in the process o f environmentally sound and sustainable development.

27.6. With a view to strengthening the role of non -governmental organizations as social partners, the United Nations system and Governments should initiate a process, in consultation with non - governmental or ganizations, to review formal procedures and mechanisms for the involvement of these organizations at all levels from policy -making and decision -making to implementation.

27.7. By 1995, a mutually productive dialogue should be established at the national level between all Governments and non -governmental organizations and their self -organized networks to recognize and strengthen their respective roles in implementing environmentally sound and sustainable development.

27.8. Governments and international bodies shoul d promote and allow the participation of non - governmental organizations in the conception, establishment and evaluation of official mechanisms and formal procedures designed to review the implementation of Agenda 21 at all levels.

Activities

27.9. The United Nations system, including international finance and development agencies, and all intergovernmental organizations and forums should, in consultation with non -governmental organizations, take measures to:
a. Review and report on ways of enhancing existing pr ocedures and mechanisms by which non-governmental organizations contribute to policy design, decision -making, implementation and evaluation at the individual agency level, in inter -agency discussions and in United Nations conferences;
b. On the basis of subp aragraph (a) above, enhance existing or, where they do not exist, establish, mechanisms and procedures within each agency to draw on the expertise and views of non -governmental organizations in policy and programme design, implementation and evaluation;
c. Review levels of financial and administrative support for non -governmental organizations and the extent and effectiveness of their involvement in project and programme implementation, with a view to augmenting their role as social partners;
d. Design open and effective means of achieving the participation of non -governmental organizations in the processes established to review and evaluate the implementation of Agenda 21 at all levels;
e. Promote and allow non -governmental organizations and their self -organized networks to contribute to the review and evaluation of policies and programmes designed to implement Agenda 21, including support for developing country non - governmental organizations and their self -organized networks;
f. Take into account the findings of no n-governmental review systems and evaluation processes in relevant reports of the Secretary -General to the General Assembly, and of all pertinent United Nations organizations and other intergovernmental organizations and forums concerning implementation of Agenda 21, in accordance with the review process for Agenda 21;
g. Provide access for non -governmental organizations to accurate and timely data and information to promote the effectiveness of their programmes and activities and their roles in support of su stainable development.
27.10. Governments should take measures to:
a. Establish or enhance an existing dialogue with non -governmental organizations and their self-organized networks representing various sectors, which could serve to: (i) consider the rights and re sponsibilities of these organizations; (ii) efficiently channel integrated non-governmental inputs to the governmental policy development process; and (iii) facilitate non-governmental coordination in implementing national policies at the programme level;
b. Encourage and enable partnership and dialogue between local non -governmental organizations and local authorities in activities aimed at sustainable development;
c. Involve non-governmental organizations in national mechanisms or procedures established to ca rry out Agenda 21, making the best use of their particular capacities, especially in the fields of education, poverty alleviation and environmental protection and rehabilitation;
d. Take into account the findings of non -governmental monitoring and review mec hanisms in the design and evaluation of policies concerning the implementation of Agenda 21 at all levels;
e. Review government education systems to identify ways to include and expand the involvement of non -governmental organizations in the field of formal and informal education and of public awareness;
f. Make available and accessible to non -governmental organizations the data and information necessary for their effective contribution to research and to the design, implementation and evaluation of programmes.
Means of implementation

(a) Financing and cost evaluation

27.11. Depending on the outcome of review processes and the evolution of views as to how best to build partnership and dialogue between official organizations and groups of non -governmental organizations, relatively limited but unpredictable, costs will be involved at the international and national levels in enhancing consultative procedures and mechanisms. Non -governmental organizations will also require additional funding in support of their establi shment of, improvement of or contributions to Agenda 21 monitoring systems. These costs will be significant but cannot be reliably estimated on the basis of existing information.

(b) Capacity-building

27.12. The organizations of the United Nations system and other intergovernmental organizations and forums, bilateral programmes and the private sector, as appropriate, will need to provide increased financial and administrative support for non -governmental organizations and their self -organized networks, in part icular those based in developing countries, that contribute to the monitoring and evaluation of Agenda 21 programmes, and provide training for non -governmental organizations (and assist them to develop their own training programmes) at the international an d regional levels to enhance their partnership role in programme design and implementation.

27.13. Governments will need to promulgate or strengthen, subject to country -specific conditions, any legislative measures necessary to enable the establishment by non -governmental organizations of consultative groups, and to ensure the right of non -governmental organizations to protect the public interest through legal action.

Agenda 21 – Chapter 28 LOCAL AUTHORITIES' INITIATIVES IN SUPPORT OF AGENDA 21 PROGRAMME AREA
Basis for action

28.1. Because so many of the problems and solutions being addressed by Agenda 21 have their roots in local activities, the participation and cooperation of local authorities will be a determining factor in fulfilling its objectives. Local authorities construct, operate and maintain economic, social and environmental infrastructure, oversee planning processes, establish local environmental policies and regulations, and assist in implementing national and subnational environm ental policies. As the level of governance closest to the people, they play a vital role in educating, mobilizing and responding to the public to promote sustainable development.

Objectives

28.2. The following objectives are proposed for this programme area:
a. By 1996, most local authorities in each country should have undertaken a consultative process with their populations and achieved a consensus on "a local Agenda 21" for the community;
b. By 1993, the international community should have initiated a consulta tive process aimed at increasing cooperation between local authorities;
c. By 1994, representatives of associations of cities and other local authorities should have increased levels of cooperation and coordination with the goal of enhancing the exchange of information and experience among local authorities;
d. All local authorities in each country should be encouraged to implement and monitor programmes which aim at ensuring that women and youth are represented in decision - making, planning and implementation p rocesses.
Activities

28.3. Each local authority should enter into a dialogue with its citizens, local organizations and private enterprises and adopt "a local Agenda 21". Through consultation and consensus -building, local authorities would learn from citizens and from local, civic, community, business and industrial organizations and acquire the information needed for formulating the best strategies. The process of consultation would increase household awareness of sustainable development issues. Local authori ty programmes, policies, laws and regulations to achieve Agenda 21 objectives would be assessed and modified, based on local programmes adopted. Strategies could also be used in supporting proposals for local, national, regional and international funding.

28.4. Partnerships should be fostered among relevant organs and organizations such as UNDP, the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat) and UNEP, the World Bank, regional banks, the International Union of Local Authorities, the World Association of the Major Metropolises, Summit of Great Cities of the World, the United Towns Organization and other relevant partners, with a view to mobilizing increased international support for local authority programmes. An important goal would be to support, exte nd and improve existing institutions working in the field of local authority capacity-building and local environment management. For this purpose:
a. Habitat and other relevant organs and organizations of the United Nations system are called upon to strength en services in collecting information on strategies of local authorities, in particular for those that need international support;
b. Periodic consultations involving both international partners and developing countries could review strategies and consider h ow such international support could best be mobilized. Such a sectoral consultation would complement concurrent country -focused consultations, such as those taking place in consultative groups and round tables.
28.5. Representatives of associations of local aut horities are encouraged to establish processes to increase the exchange of information, experience and mutual technical assistance among local authorities.

Means of implementation

(a) Financing and cost evaluation

28.6. It is recommended that all parties r eassess funding needs in this area. The Conference secretariat has estimated the average total annual cost (1993 -2000) for strengthening international secretariat services for implementing the activities in this chapter to be about $1 million on grant or concessional terms. These are indicative and order -of-magnitude estimates only and have not been reviewed by Governments.

(b) Human resource development and capacity -building

28.7. This programme should facilitate the capacity -building and training activities already contained in other chapters of Agenda 21.

Agenda 21 – Chapter 29 STRENGTHENING THE ROLE OF WORKERS AND THEIR TRADE UNIONS PROGRAMME AREA
Basis for action

29.1. Efforts to implement sustainable development will in volve adjustments and opportunities at the national and enterprise levels, with workers foremost among those concerned. As their representatives, trade unions are vital actors in facilitating the achievement of sustainable development in view of their expe rience in addressing industrial change, the extremely high priority they give to protection of the working environment and the related natural environment, and their promotion of socially responsible and economic development. The existing network of collab oration among trade unions and their extensive membership provide important channels through which the concepts and practices of sustainable development can be supported. The established principles of tripartism provide a basis for strengthened collaborati on between workers and their representatives, Governments and employers in the implementation of sustainable development.

Objectives

29.2. The overall objective is poverty alleviation and full and sustainable employment, which contribute to safe, clean and h ealthy environments - the working environment, the community and the physical environment. Workers should be full participants in the implementation and evaluation of activities related to Agenda 21.

29.3. To that end the following objectives are proposed for accomplishment by the year 2000:
a. To promote ratification of relevant conventions of ILO and the enactment of legislation in support of those conventions;
b. To establish bipartite and tripartite mechanisms on safety, health and sustainable development;
c. To increase the number of environmental collective agreements aimed at achieving sustainable development;
d. To reduce occupational accidents, injuries and diseases according to recognized statistical reporting procedures;
e. To increase the provision of workers' education, training and retraining, particularly in the area of occupational health and safety and environment.
Activities

(a) Promoting freedom of association

29.4. For workers and their trade unions to play a full and informed role in support of sustaina ble development, Governments and employers should promote the rights of individual workers to freedom of association and the protection of the right to organize as laid down in ILO conventions. Governments should consider ratifying and implementing those c onventions, if they have not already done so.

(b) Strengthening participation and consultation

29.5. Governments, business and industry should promote the active participation of workers and their trade unions in decisions on the design, implementation and e valuation of national and international policies and programmes on environment and development, including employment policies, industrial strategies, labour adjustment programmes and technology transfers.

29.6. Trade unions, employers and Governments should co operate to ensure that the concept of sustainable development is equitably implemented.

29.7. Joint (employer/worker) or tripartite (employer/worker/Government) collaborative mechanisms at the workplace, community and national levels should be established to deal with safety, health and environment, including special reference to the rights and status of women in the workplace.

29.8. Governments and employers should ensure that workers and their representatives are provided with all relevant information to enable effective participation in these decision -making processes.

29.9. Trade unions should continue to define, develop and promote policies on all aspects of sustainable development.

29.10. Trade unions and employers should establish the framework for a joint environmen tal policy, and set priorities to improve the working environment and the overall environmental performance of enterprise.

29.11. Trade unions should:
a. Seek to ensure that workers are able to participate in environmental audits at the workplace and in environme ntal impact assessments;
b. Participate in environment and development activities within the local community and promote joint action on potential problems of common concern;
c. Play an active role in the sustainable development activities of international and regional organizations, particularly within the United Nations system.
(c) Provide adequate training

29.12. Workers and their representatives should have access to adequate training to augment environmental awareness, ensure their safety and health, and impro ve their economic and social welfare. Such training should ensure that the necessary skills are available to promote sustainable livelihoods and improve the working environment. Trade unions, employers, Governments and international agencies should coopera te in assessing training needs within their respective spheres of activity. Workers and their representatives should be involved in the design and implementation of worker training programmes conducted by employers and Governments.

Means of implementatio n

(a) Financing and cost evaluation

29.13. The Conference secretariat has estimated the average total annual cost (1993 -2000) of implementing the activities of this programme to be about $300 million from the international community on grant or concessional t erms. These are indicative and order -of-magnitude estimates only and have not been reviewed by Governments. Actual costs and financial terms, including any that are non-concessional, will depend upon, inter alia, the specific strategies and programmes Governments decide upon for implementation.

(b) Capacity-building

29.14. Particular attention should be given to strengthening the capacity of each of the tripartite social partners (Governments and employers' and workers' organizations) to facilitate greater col laboration towards sustainable development.
Agenda 21 – Chapter 30 STRENGTHENING THE ROLE OF BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY INTRODUCTION

30.1. Business and industry, including transnational corporations, play a crucial role in the social and economic development of a country. A stable policy regime enables and encourages business and industry to operate responsibly and efficiently and to implement longer -term policies. Increasing prosperity, a major goal of the development process, is contributed primarily by the activ ities of business and industry. Business enterprises, large and small, formal and informal, provide major trading, employment and livelihood opportunities. Business opportunities available to women are contributing towards their professional development, s trengthening their economic role and transforming social systems. Business and industry, including transnational corporations, and their representative organizations should be full participants in the implementation and evaluation of activities related to Agenda 21.

30.2. Through more efficient production processes, preventive strategies, cleaner production technologies and procedures throughout the product life cycle, hence minimizing or avoiding wastes, the policies and operations of business and industry, in cluding transnational corporations, can play a major role in reducing impacts on resource use and the environment. Technological innovations, development, applications, transfer and the more comprehensive aspects of partnership and cooperation are to a very large extent within the province of business and industry.

30.3. Business and industry, including transnational corporations, should recognize environmental management as among the highest corporate priorities and as a key determinant to sustainable developm ent. Some enlightened leaders of enterprises are already implementing "responsible care" and product stewardship policies and programmes, fostering openness and dialogue with employees and the public and carrying out environmental audits and assessments of compliance. These leaders in business and industry, including transnational corporations, are increasingly taking voluntary initiatives, promoting and implementing self -regulations and greater responsibilities in ensuring their activities have minimal imp acts on human health and the environment. The regulatory regimes introduced in many countries and the growing consciousness of consumers and the general public and enlightened leaders of business and industry, including transnational corporations, have all
contributed to this. A positive contribution of business and industry, including transnational corporations, to sustainable development can increasingly be achieved by using economic instruments such as free market mechanisms in which the prices of goods and services should increasingly reflect the environmental costs of their input, production, use, recycling and disposal subject to country -specific conditions.

30.4. The improvement of production systems through technologies and processes that utilize resourc es more efficiently and at the same time produce less wastes - achieving more with less - is an important pathway towards sustainability for business and industry. Similarly, facilitating and encouraging inventiveness, competitiveness and voluntary initiat ives are necessary for stimulating more varied, efficient and effective options. To address these major requirements and strengthen further the role of business and industry, including transnational corporations, the following two programmes are proposed.

PROGRAMME AREAS

A. Promoting cleaner production

Basis for action
30.5. There is increasing recognition that production, technology and management that use resources inefficiently form residues that are not reused, discharge wastes that have adverse impac ts on human health and the environment and manufacture products that when used have further impacts and are difficult to recycle, need to be replaced with technologies, good engineering and management practices and know -how that would minimize waste throug hout the product life cycle. The concept of cleaner production implies striving for optimal efficiencies at every stage of the product life cycle. A result would be the improvement of the overall competitiveness of the enterprise. The need for a transition towards cleaner production policies was recognized at the UNIDO -organized ministerial - level Conference on Ecologically Sustainable Industrial Development, held at Copenhagen in October 1991. 1/

Objectives

30.6. Governments, business and industry, including transnational corporations, should aim to increase the efficiency of resource utilization, including increasing the reuse and recycling of residues, and to reduce the quantity of waste discharge per unit of economic output.

Activities

30.7. Governments, busi ness and industry, including transnational corporations, should strengthen partnerships to implement the principles and criteria for sustainable development.

30.8. Governments should identify and implement an appropriate mix of economic instruments and normative measures such as laws, legislations and standards, in consultation with business and industry, including transnational corporations, that will promote the use of cleaner production, with special consideration for small and medium -sized enterprises. Volu ntary private initiatives should also be encouraged.

30.9. Governments, business and industry, including transnational corporations, academia and international organizations, should work towards the development and implementation of concepts and methodologies for the internalization of environmental costs into accounting and pricing mechanisms.

30.10. Business and industry, including transnational corporations, should be encouraged:
a. To report annually on their environmental records, as well as on their use of energ y and natural resources;
b. To adopt and report on the implementation of codes of conduct promoting the best environmental practice, such as the Business Charter on Sustainable Development of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and the chemical indus try's responsible care initiative.
30.11. Governments should promote technological and know -how cooperation between enterprises, encompassing identification, assessment, research and development, management marketing and application of cleaner production.

30.12. Industry should incorporate cleaner production policies in its operations and investments, taking also into account its influence on suppliers and consumers.

30.13. Industry and business associations should cooperate with workers and trade unions to continuously improve the knowledge and skills for implementing sustainable development operations.

30.14. Industry and business associations should encourage individual companies to undertake programmes for improved environmental awareness and responsibility at all levels to make these enterprises dedicated to the task of improving environmental performance based on internationally accepted management practices.

30.15. International organizations should increase education, training and awareness activities relating to cleaner produ ction, in collaboration with industry, academia and relevant national and local authorities.

30.16. International and non -governmental organizations, including trade and scientific associations, should strengthen cleaner production information dissemination by expanding existing databases, such as the UNEP International Cleaner Production Clearing House (ICPIC), the UNIDO Industrial and Technological Information Bank (INTIB) and the ICC International Environment Bureau (IEB), and should forge networking of natio nal and international information systems.

B. Promoting responsible entrepreneurship

Basis for action

30.17. Entrepreneurship is one of the most important driving forces for innovations, increasing market efficiencies and responding to challenges and oppor tunities. Small and medium -sized entrepreneurs, in particular, play a very important role in the social and economic development of a country. Often, they are the major means for rural development, increasing off -farm employment and providing the transitional means for improving the livelihoods of women. Responsible entrepreneurship can play a major role in improving the efficiency of resource use, reducing risks and hazards, minimizing wastes and safeguarding environmental qualities.

Objectives

30.18. The following objectives are proposed:
a. To encourage the concept of stewardship in the management and utilization of natural resources by entrepreneurs;
b. To increase the number of entrepreneurs engaged in enterprises that subscribe to and implement sustainable de velopment policies.
Activities

30.19. Governments should encourage the establishment and operations of sustainably managed enterprises. The mix would include regulatory measures, economic incentives and streamlining of administrative procedures to assure maxim um efficiency in dealing with applications for approval in order to facilitate investment decisions, advice and assistance with information, infrastructural support and stewardship responsibilities.

30.20. Governments should encourage, in cooperation with the p rivate sector, the establishment of venture capital funds for sustainable development projects and programmes.

30.21. In collaboration with business, industry, academia and international organizations, Governments should support training in the environmental as pects of enterprise management. Attention should also be directed towards apprenticeship schemes for youth.

30.22. Business and industry, including transnational corporations, should be encouraged to establish world-wide corporate policies on sustainable develo pment, arrange for environmentally sound technologies to be available to affiliates owned substantially by their parent company in developing countries without extra external charges, encourage overseas affiliates to modify procedures in order to reflect local ecological conditions and share experiences with local authorities, national Governments and international organizations.

30.23. Large business and industry, including transnational corporations, should consider establishing partnership schemes with small and medium-sized enterprises to help facilitate the exchange of experience in managerial skills, market development and technological know -how, where appropriate, with the assistance of international organizations.

30.24. Business and industry should establish national councils for sustainable development and help promote entrepreneurship in the formal and informal sectors. The inclusion of women entrepreneurs should be facilitated.

30.25. Business and industry, including transnational corporations, should increase r esearch and development of environmentally sound technologies and environmental management systems, in collaboration with academia and the scientific/engineering establishments, drawing upon indigenous knowledge, where appropriate.

30.26. Business and industry, including transnational corporations, should ensure responsible and ethical management of products and processes from the point of view of health, safety and environmental aspects. Towards this end, business and industry should increase self -regulation, guided by appropriate codes, charters and initiatives integrated into all elements of business planning and decision-making, and fostering openness and dialogue with employees and the public.

30.27. Multilateral and bilateral financial aid institutions should co ntinue to encourage and support small - and medium-scale entrepreneurs engaged in sustainable development activities.

30.28. United Nations organizations and agencies should improve mechanisms for business and industry inputs, policy and strategy formulation pro cesses, to ensure that environmental aspects are strengthened in foreign investment.

30.29. International organizations should increase support for research and development on improving the technological and managerial requirements for sustainable development, in particular for small and medium-sized enterprises in developing countries.

Means of implementation

Financing and cost evaluation

30.30. The activities included under this programme area are mostly changes in the orientation of existing activities and add itional costs are not expected to be significant. The cost of activities by Governments and international organizations are already included in other programme areas.

Agenda 21 – Chapter 31 SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL COMMUNITY 31.1. The present chapter focuses on how to enable the scientific and technological community, which includes, among others, engineers, architects, industrial designers, urban planners and other professionals and policy makers, to make a more open and effective contribu tion to the decision - making processes concerning environment and development. It is important that the role of science and technology in human affairs be more widely known and better understood, both by decision makers who help determine public policy and by the general public. The cooperative relationship existing between the scientific and technological community and the general public should be extended and deepened into a full partnership. Improved communication and cooperation between the scientific and technological community and decision makers will facilitate greater use of scientific and technical information and knowledge in policies and programme implementation. Decision makers should create more favourable conditions for improving training and in dependent research in sustainable development. Existing multidisciplinary approaches will have to be strengthened and more interdisciplinary studies developed between the scientific and technological community and policy makers and with the general public to provide leadership and practical know -how to the concept of sustainable development. The public should be assisted in communicating their sentiments to the scientific and technological community concerning how science and technology might be better mana ged to affect their lives in a beneficial way. By the same token, the independence of the scientific and technological community to investigate and publish without restriction and to exchange their findings freely must be assured. The adoption and implemen tation of ethical principles and codes of practice for the scientific and technological community that are internationally accepted could enhance professionalism and may improve and hasten recognition of the value of its contributions to environment and de velopment, recognizing the continuing evolution and uncertainty of scientific knowledge.

PROGRAMME AREAS

A. Improving communication and cooperation among the scientific and technological community, decision makers and the public

Basis for action

31.2. The scientific and technological community and policy makers should increase their interaction in order to implement strategies for sustainable development on the basis of the best available knowledge. This implies that decision makers should provide the nec essary framework for rigorous research and for full and open communication of the findings of the scientific and technological community, and develop with it ways in which research results and the concerns stemming from the findings can be communicated to decision-making bodies so as to better link scientific and technical knowledge with strategic policy and programme formulation. At the same time, this dialogue would assist the scientific and technological community in developing priorities for research an d proposing actions for constructive solutions.

Objectives

31.3. The following objectives are proposed:
a. To extend and open up the decision -making process and broaden the range of developmental and environmental issues where cooperation at all levels between the scientific and technological community and decision makers can take place;
b. To improve the exchange of knowledge and concerns between the scientific and technological community and the general public in order to enable policies and programmes to be better formulated, understood and supported.
Activities

31.4. Governments should undertake the following activities:
a. Review how national scientific and technological activities could be more responsive to sustainable development needs as part of an overall eff ort to strengthen national research and development systems, including through strengthening and widening the membership of national scientific and technological advisory councils, organizations and committees to ensure that:
i. The full range of national ne eds for scientific and technological programmes are communicated to Governments and the public;
ii. The various strands of public opinion are represented;
b. Promote regional cooperative mechanisms to address regional needs for sustainable development. Such reg ional cooperative mechanisms could be facilitated through public/private partnerships and provide support to Governments, industry, non - governmental educational institutions and other domestic and international organizations, and by strengthening global pr ofessional networks;
c. Improve and expand scientific and technical inputs through appropriate mechanisms to intergovernmental consultative, cooperative and negotiating processes towards international and regional agreements;
d. Strengthen science and technolo gy advice to the highest levels of the United Nations, and other international institutions, in order to ensure the inclusion of science and technology know -how in sustainable development policies and strategies;
e. Improve and strengthen programmes for diss eminating research results of universities and research institutions. This requires recognition of and greater support to the scientists, technologists and teachers who are engaged in communicating and interpreting scientific and technological information to policy makers, professionals in other fields and the general public. Such support should focus on the transfer of skills and the transfer and adaptation of planning techniques. This requires full and open sharing of data and information among scientists and decision makers. The publication of national scientific research reports and technical reports that are understandable and relevant to local sustainable development needs would also improve the interface between science and decision -making, as well as the implementation of scientific results;
f. Improve links between the official and independent research sectors and industry so that research may become an important element of industrial strategy;
g. Promote and strengthen the role of women as full partners in the science and technology disciplines;
h. Develop and implement information technologies to enhance the dissemination of information for sustainable development.
Means of implementation

(a) Financing and cost evaluation

31.5. The Conferense secretariat h as estimated the average total annual cost (1993 -2000) of implementing the activities of this programme to be about $15 million from the international community on grant or concessional terms. These are indicative and order -of-magnitude estimates only and have not been reviewed by Governments. Actual costs and financial terms, including any that are non -concessional, will depend upon, inter alia, the specific strategies and programmes Governments decide upon for implementation.

(b) Capacity-building

31.6. Intergovernmental panels on development and environmental issues should be organized, with emphasis on their scientific and technical aspects, and studies of responsiveness and adaptability included in subsequent programmes of action.

B. Promoting codes of practice and guidelines related to science and technology

Basis for action

31.7. Scientists and technologists have a special set of responsibilities which belong to them both as inheritors of a tradition and as professionals and members of disciplines devot ed to the search for knowledge and to the need to protect the biosphere in the context of sustainable development.

31.8. Increased ethical awareness in environmental and developmental decision -making should help to place appropriate priorities for the maintena nce and enhancement of life -support systems for their own sake, and in so doing ensure that the functioning of viable natural processes is properly valued by present and future societies. Therefore, a strengthening of the codes of practice and guidelines f or the scientific and technological community would increase environmental awareness and contribute to sustainable development. It would build up the level of esteem and regard for the scientific and technological community and facilitate the "accountabili ty" of science and technology.

Objectives

31.9. The objective should be to develop, improve and promote international acceptance of codes of practice and guidelines relating to science and technology in which the integrity of life -support systems is comprehe nsively accounted for and where the important role of science and technology in reconciling the needs of environment and development is accepted. To be effective in the decision - making process, such principles, codes of practice and guidelines must not onl y be agreed upon by the scientific and technological community, but also recognized by the society as a whole.

Activities
31.10. The following activities could be undertaken:
a. Strengthening national and international cooperation, including the non -governmental sector, to develop codes of practice and guidelines regarding environmentally sound and sustainable development, taking into account the Rio Declaration and existing codes of practice and guidelines;
b. Strengthening and establishing national advisory group s on environmental and developmental ethics, in order to develop a common value framework between the scientific and technological community and society as a whole, and promote continuous dialogue;
c. Extending education and training in developmental and env ironmental ethical issues to integrate such objectives into education curricula and research priorities;
d. Reviewing and amending relevant national and international environment and development legal instruments to ensure appropriate codes of practice and g uidelines are incorporated into such regulatory machinery.
Means of implementation

(a) Financing and cost evaluation

31.11. The Conferense secretariat has estimated the average total annual cost (1993 -2000) of implementing the activities of this programme to be about $5 million from the international community on grant or concessional terms. These are indicative and order -of-magnitude estimates only and have not been reviewed by Governments. Actual costs and financial terms, including any that are non-concessional, will depend upon, inter alia, the specific strategies and programmes Governments decide upon for implementation.

(b) Capacity-building

31.12. Codes of practice and guidelines, including on appropriate principles, should be developed for and by the scientific and technological community in the pursuit of its research activities and implementation of programmes aimed at sustainable development.

Agenda 21 – Chapter 32 STRENGTHENING THE ROLE OF FARMERS* PROGRAMME AREA
Basis for action

32.1. Agriculture occupies one third of the land surface of the Earth, and is the central activity for much of the world's population. Rural activities take place in close contact with nature, adding value to it by producing renewable resources, while at the same time becoming vulnerable to overexploitation and improper management.

32.2. The rural household, indigenous people and their communities, and the family farmer, a substantial number of whom are women, have been the stewards of muc h of the Earth's resources. Farmers must conserve their physical environment as they depend on it for their sustenance. Over the past 20 years there has been impressive increase in aggregate agricultural production. Yet, in some regions, this increase has been outstripped by population growth or international debt or falling commodity prices. Further, the natural resources that sustain farming activity need proper care, and there is a growing concern about the sustainability of agricultural production syste ms.

32.3. A farmer-centred approach is the key to the attainment of sustainability in both developed and developing countries and many of the programme areas in Agenda 21 address this objective. A significant number of the rural population in developing count ries depend primarily upon small -scale, subsistence-oriented agriculture based on family labour. However, they have limited access to resources, technology, alternative livelihood and means of production. As a result, they are engaged in the overexploitati on of natural resources, including marginal lands.

32.4. The sustainable development of people in marginal and fragile ecosystems is also addressed in Agenda 21. The key to the successful implementation of these programmes lies in the motivation and attitudes of individual farmers and government policies that would provide incentives to farmers to manage their natural resources efficiently and in a sustainable way. Farmers, particularly women, face a high degree of economic, legal and institutional uncertaintie s when investing in their land and other resources. The decentralization of decision -making towards local and community organizations is the key in changing people's behaviour and implementing sustainable farming strategies. This programme area deals with activities which can contribute to this end.

Objectives

32.5. The following objectives are proposed:
a. To encourage a decentralized decision -making process through the creation and strengthening of local and village organizations that would delegate power and
responsibility to primary users of natural resources;
b. To support and enhance the legal capacity of women and vulnerable groups with regard to access, use and tenure of land;
c. To promote and encourage sustainable farming practices and technologies;
d. To introduce or strengthen policies that would encourage self -sufficiency in low -input and low-energy technologies, including indigenous practices, and pricing mechanisms that internalize environmental costs;
e. To develop a policy framework that provides incenti ves and motivation among farmers for sustainable and efficient farming practices;
f. To enhance the participation of farmers, men and women, in the design and implementation of policies directed towards these ends, through their representative organizations.
Activities

(a) Management-related activities

32.6. National Governments should:
a. Ensure the implementation of the programmes on sustainable livelihoods, agriculture and rural development, managing fragile ecosystems, water use in agriculture, and integrated management of natural resources;
b. Promote pricing mechanisms, trade policies, fiscal incentives and other policy instruments that positively affect individual farmer's decisions about an efficient and sustainable use of natural resources, and take full account of the impact of these decisions on household food security, farm incomes, employment and the environment;
c. Involve farmers and their representative organizations in the formulation of policy;
d. Protect, recognize and formalize women's access to tenure and use of land, as well as rights to land, access to credit, technology, inputs and training;
e. Support the formation of farmers' organizations by providing adequate legal and social conditions.
32.7. Support for farmers' organizations could be arranged as follows:
a. National and international research centres should cooperate with farmers' organizations in developing location-specific environment-friendly farming techniques;
b. National Governments, multilateral and bilateral development agencies and non- governmental organizations should collaborate with farmers' organizations in formulating agricultural development projects to specific agro-ecological zones.
(b) Data and information

32.8. Governments and farmers' organizations should:
a. Initiate mechanisms to document, synthesize and disseminate local knowledge, practices and project experiences so that they will make use of the lessons of the past when formulating and implementing policies affecting farming, forest and fishing populations;
b. Establish networks for t he exchange of experiences with regard to farming that help to conserve land, water and forest resources, minimize the use of chemicals and reduce or reutilize farm wastes;
c. Develop pilot projects and extension services that would seek to build on the needs and knowledge base of women farmers.
(c) International and regional cooperation

32.9. FAO, IFAD, WFP, the World Bank, the regional development banks and other international organizations involved in rural development should involve farmers and their representatives in their deliberations, as appropriate.

32.10. Representative organizations of farmers should establish programmes for the development and support of farmers' organizations, particularly in developing countries.