Agenda 21

One of the results of the Rio Declaration in 1992 was Agenda 21- a direct action plan for governments, organisations and groups (including businesses) across the world to further sustainable development.

Agenda 21 is often referred to in Corporate Responsibility literature, however, is often misunderstood. The details of Agenda 21 can be found at the link below, however; in essence it is a comprehensive set of initiatives to encourage cooperation in order to accelerate sustainable development. It is a national commitment that is supported by non-governmental organisations and businesses.

The document is long, and not all aspects will be relevant to businesses specifically (as some are directed wholly at governments), however it is worth pointing out a few key elements.

Very broadly, the document can be broken up into:
- Economic development;
- and environmental protection.

The first part draws up a framework of guidelines and recommendations for trade, investment, finance and general economic policy that is beneficial for less developed and developing countries and the businesses and people in them. The latter sections focus specifically on sustainable development from an environmental perspective- first pointing out the need for scientific certainty with regard to environmental protection, and later addressing issues such energy development, efficiency and consumption; transport; industry and finally ozone depletion and pollution.