ABSTRACT

This collection of in-depth case studies emphasizes the diversity and inventiveness of local initiatives since the Rio 'Earth Summit' within different national settings. From the Earth Summit to Local Agenda 21offers a realistic counterpoint to the official monitoring and assessment procedures of national governments and international bodies. It highlights the problems of assessment and policy evaluation and clearly sets out the policy stages necessary for more effective realization of Local Agenda 21 objectives.

chapter 1|16 pages

Introduction

The Nature and Purpose of ‘Local Agenda 21’

chapter 2|28 pages

Finland

Working With La21 Under Conditions of Economic Uncertainty

chapter 3|31 pages

Sweden:

Setting the Pace with Pioneer Municipalities and Schools

chapter 4|30 pages

Norway

Confronting the Inertia of Existing Reforms

chapter 5|34 pages

Germany

Five Years After Rio and Still Uphill All the Way?

chapter 6|13 pages

Austria

A Late Start with a Strong Potential

chapter 7|26 pages

The Netherlands

Subsidized Seeds in Fertile Soil

chapter 8|25 pages

The United Kingdom

A Mirage Beyond the Participation Hurdle?

chapter 9|33 pages

Ireland

Does the Road from Rio Lead Back to Brussels?

chapter 10|25 pages

Conclusions

Comparative Perspectives on Evaluation and Explanatio