The role of the Italian Local Agenda 21 Association
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| The Italian Local Agenda 21 Association was founded in 2000 and is a non-profit organisation devoted exclusively to charitable causes, namely the protection and appreciation of nature and the environment. |
| More specifically, the Association aims at the promotion on a national level, and particularly in urban areas, of the Local Agenda 21 process, in order to achieve sustainable development through the integration of economic, social and environmental aspects in accordance with the Aalborg, Goteborg and Ferrara Charters. |
| Agenda 21, The United Nations action plan for sustainable development, was presented during the 1992 Conference on Environment and Development, also known as the ‘Earth Summit', held in Rio de Janeiro. |
| It summarises the specific actions and strategies to be implemented globally, nationally and locally by signatory countries in every area in which humans impact on the ecosystem. |
| In particular, the system indicates the need of each Local Authority to devise a Local Agenda 21 for the community and to promote fair and sustainable development. |
| In 2001, around 6420 Local Agenda 21 initiatives were implemented around the world. |
| In this context, the Italian Local Agenda 21 Association plays a key role in raising awareness amongst stakeholders by means of information, support and lobbying campaigns. |
The Association’s activities
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| In the pursuit of its constitutional aim, the Italian Agenda 21 Association undertakes specifically to: |
| Promote the principles and practices of sustainable development and Local Agenda 21; |
| Promote and develop information exchange on Local Agenda 21 issues between institutions and operators involved in the process; |
| Monitor, gather, disseminate and promote studies, research, good practices and in general any positive experiences of sustainable development and Local Agenda 21; |
| Promote and/or facilitate the constitution of partnerships between Local Agenda 21 initiatives; |
| Promote and facilitate the candidature of the Association and members to international and national projects and initiatives; |
| Actively cooperate with the European Union, the Italian Government and other international networks, as well as with regional associations and local institutions for the purpose of mutual promotion and to plan, organise and implement joint initiatives. |
Awareness-raising activities
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| Participate in national and international conventions (World Summits) |
| Participate in training courses (Masters) |
| Bringing together of thematic Work Groups on Local Agenda 21 processes |
| Support local sustainability projects (sponsorship, funding) |
| Create a partner network |
Public information campaigns
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| Translate and distribute international documents on sustainable development |
| Distribute a calendar of national and international events |
| Organise conventions and seminars |
| Distribute national and international announcements for good sustainable development practices |
