A shared future - balanced development - Short version
8. From goals to results - shared responsibility
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A sustainable society is built on democracy and openness. The population must have opportunities to take responsibility and to participate in decision-making. All parts of Danish society must be actively involved and work towards the goal of achieving sustainable development if we are to be successful. Local Agenda 21 activities are also important. Research, development, and new technologies are required to achieve sustainable development. Indicators are required to measure progress towards achieving sustainable development. |
In a sustainable society everyone must take responsibility to ensure that development
takes place with forethought.The state, municipalities, counties, businesses, schools,
associations, voluntary organisations, and citizens must all have the opportunity to
participate. As individuals we must consider our own behaviour and make conscious,
proenvironment decisions regarding transport habits, energy consumption and selection of
eco-labelled consumer goods.
The Aarhus Convention on access to information, access to participation and access to justice of 1998, which is now in force in Denmark, means that all citizens and environmental organisations must have easy access to information, the opportunity to participate in decisions on environmental matters, and the possibility of making environmental appeals. In the international context, Denmark proposes that the principles inherent in the Aarhus Convention be adopted more widely.
Dialogue is important, both locally and nationally. The solutions to numerous problems may be found in local activities and Local Agenda 21 has provided good results.The central government will facilitate the work of providing guidance and passing on experiences from Local Agenda 21.
Continuing research and development ensure that a sound knowledge base exits upon which the best possible decisions can be made, priorities and goals set and suitable measures selected. This will ensure that we get the most cost-effective solution. Knowledge regarding the interconnection between greater resource efficiency and general societal development is important. In addition, knowledge regarding environmental economics, environmental behaviour as well as prognoses and scenarios are valuable decision making tools. Environmental policies must be knowledge-based and rest on the precautionary principle.
Technological breakthroughs and innovation are necessary aspects of sustainable development. We must continue to develop new technologies, materials and solutions to redirect society towards sustainable development. Training and education will spread knowledge about sustainable development and influence attitudes and behaviour.
Sustainable development is a process that requires both long and short-term goals The Danish National Strategy presents general goals and targets until 2020.
The Strategy is a common framework for Denmark's national efforts to achieve sustainable development.The Strategy's visions and goals will be followed up by action plans, programmes, and specific initiatives within individual sectors and areas such as the Action Plan on the Aquatic Environment III, an action plan for biological diversity, a strategy on environment and health, and a report on green market economy.These reports will present and assess the goals, the means, and the costs involved in achieving sustainable development.
The Danish government will monitor and report on the progress of implementing the strategy and achieving its goals. A set of indicators will illustrate progress towards the goals and success of the initiatives.The indicators will be updated annually and made accessible to the public via a homepage on the Internet.This gives the possibility of adjusting the course of the strategy where necessary.