Agenda 21 is a blueprint for sustainable development into the 21st century. It sets out environmental strategies for the management of coasts, oceans, and water; the monitoring and reduction of chemical waste; the eradication of radioactive waste; and the conservation of natural vegetation and soils. It builds on plans for the development of sustainable farming and other socioeconomic proposals including measures to improve healthcare, to reduce poverty, and to develop fair and environmentally friendly trade policies.

The basis for Agenda 21 was agreed on during the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 and was signed by 179 heads of state and government. The document reflects a global consensus and political commitment at the highest level on development and environment cooperation to deal with the ...