Global problems...

Global warming, ozone holes, deforestation - they seem like facts of life now. But in the early 1990s leaders all over the world were alarmed - environmental problems seemed to be running out of control.

Global poverty was growing, too, and the problems seemed to be connected. A huge meeting of world leaders was held to look at how to overcome these issues. This took place in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, and was called the "Earth Summit".

An agreement was made at the summit which recognised that each country needs to act to tackle the global problems. 179 countries signed the treaty - the most to ever sign up to an international agreement. It was Agenda 21 - an agenda for change for the 21^st century.

… Local solutions

The idea of Agenda 21 is that each country looks at its impact on the global environment, and finds ways to lessen it. In the UK, the Prime Minister has asked every local council to write a Local Agenda 21 Plan with their community, to show what their area can do. This is our District’s plan. It aims to prompt local people and organisations to take action to protect our future.

What we hope to achieve

Many different groups of people are already contributing to Local Agenda 21, through innovative projects at home, work and school. Some inspiring examples of action taken by local people and organisations are shown on the following pages, marked with a tick.

This Plan focuses on new action which can be taken by local people and organisations. We want local people and organisations to get involved in the actions set out in this plan. Together we can make a difference!

You may consider that some important issues aren’t covered in this Plan. Many of these are being tackled through other district-wide plans which support Local Agenda 21.

Our District in the Future?

Global problems can seem far removed from our day to day existence. However, two effects of global warming are more violent storms and rising sea levels. These problems increasingly threaten houses and businesses near our rivers and along the coast. Global warming is caused by human actions tipping the natural balance of gases in the atmosphere. Driving a car or having a hot shower use energy and can add to global warming.

Most of us can easily cut down on our energy use. Global problems are our responsibility, and they affect us, too. Look at the map to see if your home is in danger from flooding due to global warming.  

Areas shaded in orange are at increased risk of flooding due to global warming.

 

What does Local Agenda 21 cover?

The main ideas behind Local Agenda 21 are:

Local Agenda 21 is about ensuring that everyone can have a high quality of life now and that we pass on a good world to our children and grandchildren.

Global problems are usually very complex, and it is often impossible to deal only with their immediate causes. For example, if an area of tropical forest is being cut down, simply telling the loggers to stop is probably not enough. It may be necessary to find alternative livelihoods for the woodcutters, provide health and education for local people to stop them resorting to illegal logging and educate retailers and people in countries like the UK to stop buying products which have caused damage to the environment.

Agenda 21 is about tackling global problems in an overall way. It recognises the links between environmental, social and economic issues, and that they must be addressed together to protect our environment. Its scope is very large!  

The main issues important to Local Agenda 21 are:

Involvement:
Educating people about sustainable development and getting them involved in action to ensure a good future for our district.

Community and Health:
Improving peoples’ health and well being and ensuring a sense of community in places where people live.

Local Economy:
Supporting a sustainable local economy which does not damage the environment and allows people to provide for themselves.

Natural Environment:
Protecting natural systems from damage and pollution, and protecting and enhancing the variety of plants and animals which rely on them.

Built Environment and Resource use:
Using resources carefully and sustainably, and ensuring the built environment is pleasant and accessible.

Transport:
Developing sustainable transport to meet the needs of people travelling within and through the district.

Dover District’s Plan

Dover District’s Local Agenda 21 Plan is based on the ideas local people and organisations came up with at a series of community meetings.

The Silver Spotted Skipper Butterfly Dover District’s Symbol for Local Agenda 21

The Silver Spotted Skipper has always been one of our rarer butterflies. But changes in farming after the Second World War, and development pressures in the countryside, caused their dramatic decline. By the 1980’s the butterfly was left at only two sites in Kent, both near Dover.

Careful downland management at Kent Wildlife Trust’s reserve in Lydden Temple Ewell, has helped the Skipper start to recover. Its numbers are increasing along with other plants, insects and birds which, up until forty years ago, were a part of our countryside and are now uncommon.

Today, by returning to good husbandry, and with the help of committed volunteers, more than ten thousand Silver Spotted Skippers thrive at Lydden Temple Ewell. And the Skipper is taking to the wing and spreading.

The Skipper is a symbol of how we can protect our future - by acting now and working together. It is Dover District’s symbol for Local Agenda 21.

Involvement:
	1. Actively involve local people and organisations in Local Agenda 21 work.
	2. Raise awareness of Local Agenda 21 issues across the whole community
Community and Health:
	3. Improve the sense of community locally, especially for those who feel excluded, and celebrate cultural diversity.
	4. Improve access for all local people to good quality health, leisure and cultural facilities.
	5. Reduce the fear of crime.
Local Economy:
	6. Ensure that employment and training opportunities are available to meet everyone’s needs.
	7. Work with local and potential businesses to support sustainable practices.
	8. Encourage communities to support their local businesses and services.
Natural Environment:
	9. Protect and improve the landscapes and biodiversity of the district’s coast, countryside and villages.
	10. Improve sustainable access to the countryside where this will not have adverse effects on biodiversity, agriculture or other countryside users.
	11. Improve the sustainability of local food production and distribution.
	12. Minimise the local use of products that jeopardise global biodiversity.
Built Environment and Resource use:
	13. Improve the efficiency of energy use and increase use of renewable energy forms.
	14. Protect water resources and reduce water consumption.
	15. Reduce the amount of waste generated and increase the proportion that is reused and recycled.
	16. Promote high environmental standards within new developments and refurbishments.
	17. Conserve valued buildings and improve public access to them.
	18. Bring previously used buildings back into active use where viable and appropriate.
Transport:
	19. Improve the integration of transport in the district.
	20. Work with public transport users and providers to make public transport a viable alternative to car use in most areas.
	21. Improve facilities for walking and cycling throughout the district and promote these low impact forms of transport.
	22. Promote more responsible and efficient car use.
Children playing in Alfred Square, Deal, on Car Free Day. Photo by East Kent Messenger.