The widely accepted definition of sustainable development is :"Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." It seeks to ensure a better quality of life for everyone, now and for generations to come, and it encompasses environmental, social and economic goals :

• effective protection of the environment
• prudent use of natural resources
• social progress which recognises the needs of everyone
• maintenance of high and stable levels of economic growth and employment

Agenda 21

The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, more commonly known as the Earth Summit, took place in 1992 in Rio de Janeiro. It had been prompted by the growing realisation that if our planet was to sustain us into the next century then major decisions needed to be made on how we live our lives and treat our environment. The leaders of over 150 countries met and agreed a world strategy for sustainable development - Agenda 21.

Some of the policies contained in Agenda 21 are intended for national governments but over two thirds of the commitments rely heavily on local partnerships involving the local government, business and voluntary sectors. Local Authorities are encouraged to adopt a sustainable development strategy - a Local Agenda 21 - for their community. In Bournemouth this is the Community Plan.

To find out more about UK sustainable development, visit the UK Sustainable Development Government website.

To find out more about global sustainable development, visit the United Nations website.