ABSTRACT
A multitude of individuals and organizations with greatly varying social and political responsibilities make policies and take decisions that affect urban ecology. Local government representatives were keen to see that their borough had a just share of any action going forward, business representatives were keen to accept proposals that they perceived as beneficial to the economy. This chapter evaluates the roles of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society and international bodies in implementing urban ecology initiatives and actions. It discusses the urban aspects of Local Agenda 21 devolved to local governments. The Urban Environment Unit of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) aims to integrate the urban dimension in UNEP's work with a focus on environmental issues that have both a local and an international dimension. Local authority staff or consultants can facilitate initial meetings to support the group and show how it can both help develop work programmes and influence local decision-making.
