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The World Summit in Johannesburg and Denmark's National Strategy for Sustainable Development

Contents

 Foreword

Sustainable development is a common responsibility. Denmark must be one of the best countries in the world in which to work, reside, and live. We also have a global responsibility for sustainable development.

The UN held the World Summit in Johannesburg in 2002. Focus was on transforming the objectives for sustainable development into concrete initiatives "from words to action". A comprehensive Plan of Implementation for sustainable development was adopted.

The Plan of Implementation will lay the framework for a number of initiative areas for future work both in Denmark and abroad. The Danish government places high priority on allowing national and international Danish efforts to provide concrete contributions to realising the objectives decided upon in Johannesburg.

In Johannesburg, Denmark highlighted that the objectives of better access to markets and increased global development assistance for developing countries should be combined with the requirements of responsible governance and an improved environment. The Danish National Strategy for Sustainable Development "A shared future - balanced development" was part of the Danish contribution to the World Summit. The Strategy comprises the foundation for Denmark’s work to achieve sustainable development. The Danish vision of sustainable development is based on eight objectives and principles:

1. The welfare society must be developed and economic growth must be decoupled from environmental impacts.
2. There must be a safe and healthy environment for everyone, and we must maintain a high level of protection
3. We must secure a high degree of biodiversity and protect ecosystems.
4. Resources must be used more efficiently.
5. We must take action at international level.
6. Environmental considerations must be taken into account in all sectors.
7. The market must support sustainable development.
8. Sustainable development is a shared responsibility, and we must measure progress.

The National Strategy for Sustainable Development is very much in line with the initiative areas indicated in Johannesburg, and in a number of areas it is more ambitious.

This publication follows up Denmark’s National Strategy for Sustainable Development in the context of the Johannesburg World Summit.The publication reports on areas in which the Danish government is especially like to see progress.These include climate change and renewable energy, international development, trade and environment, bio-diversity, the environment and health, as well as sustainable production and consumption. It is also about partnerships in areas such as water and energy.

In connection with Denmark’s Strategy for Sustainable Development, a set of indicators has been developed in order to monitor developments in relation to the initiative areas in the Strategy.These indicators are updated annually.

The Danish government will also prepare an action plan for Danish follow-up to Johannesburg, focusing on cooperation with developing countries.The Action Plan is expected to be published at the end of 2003.

Climate change and energy

Climate change is a great environmental challenge, and it requires coordinated international efforts. Unavoidable climate change must take place at a pace that allows ecosystems to adapt and ensures that food production is not threatened. The energy sector has a crucial role in ensuring cost-effective fulfilment of Danish international climate commitments.

The Johannesburg Plan encouraged the countries that had not yet ratified the Kyoto Protocol to do so as soon as possible

In February 2003 the Danish government submitted a draft climate strategy aiming at fulfilling the Danish reduction commitments in the Kyoto Protocol. The Protocol will enter into force when 55 per cent of the 1990 emissions from industrialised countries have been covered. In practice, this requires that Russia ratify the Protocol. Today, the Protocol has been ratified by more than 115 countries.

In accordance with the Kyoto Protocol and the EU Burden Sharing Agreement, Denmark must reduce emissions of greenhouse gases by 21% in 2008-2012 compared to 1990. This ambitious reduction must be achieved cost-effectively. The flexible mechanisms under the Kyoto Protocol, ie. buying the credits from reduction projects abroad and buying quotas, will help Denmark meet its commitments cost-effectively. This reflects the fact that emissions of greenhouse gases are a global problem and the most cost-effective reductions should be ensured globally. The flexible mechanisms will also help development in the developing countries in Central and Eastern Europe by encouraging transfers of knowhow and capital.

The Kyoto Protocol is an important first step towards curbing global climate change. Denmark and the EU are working to promote debate on further global steps, not least those dealing with reductions after 2012. The next Conference of Parties to the Climate Convention will take place in Milan in December 2003.

The Johannesburg Plan focused on renewable energy, energy efficiency, reductions in energy consumption, and new clean energy technologies, including fossil energy technologies

The Danish government has launched a number of new initiatives in the Energy Saving Report 2003. The Government places priority on cost-effective initiatives for renewable energy and energy savings that also contribute to reducing market distortions. The Government places priority on setting the framework conditions for the liberalised energy market so that it takes account of environmental and climate concerns and of long-term security of supply.

The Government places particular priority on international cooperation as a mean to promoting sustainable development in the energy sector. The central element for renewable energy will be implementation and follow-up of the EU Renewable Energy Directive of 2001.

As part of complying with climate commitments under the Kyoto Protocol, EU environment ministers agreed to introduce a common quota system during the Danish Presidency of the EU. Furthermore, in spring 2003, EU finance ministers and ministers for economic affairs agreed to introduce common energy taxes. The Danish government regularly analyses how to ensure constantly good interplay between different economic instruments for the energy/climate area.

In Johannesburg the Danish Presidency of the EU took initiative to gather countries together which wanted to go further with renewable energy than it was possible to agree on in the Johannesburg Plan.With the establishment of the Johannesburg Renewable Energy Coalition, 66 countries declared that they wanted to strengthen cooperation on global and regional proliferation of renewable energy. As part of the follow-up to this initiative, the Danish Minister for the Environment and Minister for Economic and Business Affairs hosted an international conference on renewable energy in Sønderborg in September 2003.Today there are more than 80 members of the Coalition.

International development, the environment and trade

The developing countries must receive assistance to achieve sustainable development. Denmark contributes through development assistance, which also includes environmental initiatives for developing countries.The multilateral trade cooperation regulated under the WTO is extremely significant for the ability of developing countries to achieve sustainable development and for the further development of international free trade.

The Johannesburg Plan emphasises that there is a close relationship between environmental and development problems both at local level in the poorest developing countries and at global level

In June 2003, the Danish government issued its publication "A World of Difference" in that outlines the vision for new priorities for Danish development assistance for 2004-2008, including within the environment field.The Government places priority on ensuring that endeavours to create global stability and development take account of environmental sustainability in development assistance.

Environmental concerns, in line with equal opportunities and the human rights aspect, will continue to be included as a cross-cutting aspect of Danish assistance, irrespective of the sector. An annual amount of DKK 2 billion will continue to be applied as development assistance for the environment and environment-related activities in 2004-2008.

This includes funds especially earmarked for environmental assistance. DKK 446 million per year for special environmental assistance, including for the urban environment, sustainable management of natural resources and energy, as well as for preparation of projects to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases in developing countries. In addition, as something new over the next five years, a total of DKK 150 million has been earmarked for environment initiatives in multilateral regional assistance and global environment initiatives will be enhanced by an extra DKK 415 million.

Moreover, the proposal for the 2004 Danish Finance Act has allocated DKK 200 million for each of the years 2004 to 2007 to purchase credits from CO2 reduction projects. Initially, half of these funds will be applied on reduction projects in developing countries (the so-called Clean Development Mechanism projects).

The Government will prepare a new strategy for total Danish environment initiatives in developing countries.The strategy will cover priorities and principles to realise the special environment assistance, environment sector programmes, global environment programmes, and the environment as a cross-cutting issue. At the end of 2003, the Danish government will also prepare an action plan for Danish follow-up to the Johannesburg Summit, focusing on cooperation with developing countries.

The Johannesburg Plan recognises the prominent role trade can play in achieving sustainable development and combating poverty

It was not possible to reach agreement at the WTO Conference of Ministers in Cancún in September 2003. After this, it was decided to continue work at officials level. Before the end of the year, the General Council of the WTO will meet to take the steps necessary to conclude the negotiations within the previously set time limit of 31 December 2004.

Through the EU, Denmark has stressed that the Cancún Conference of Ministers should secure the developing countries greater benefits from international trade cooperation and thus resources to promote sustainable development.The EU is ready to meet the requirements of the developing countries in a number of important areas such as reductions in customs duties, limits on internal subsidies and export subsidies for agriculture, and acceptance of a large number of wishes regarding special and differential treatment of developing countries, including regarding implementation of existing WTO regulations.

The Government is giving high priority to including environment issues in WTO negotiations to a greater extent.The "development agenda" in both the Johannesburg Plan and the Doha WTO negotiations round emphasises the necessity that international trade, as well as national and international objectives for environment protection, support each other.Throughout the entire negotiations the EU maintained its demand to secure permanent inclusion of the environment conventions in negotiations on the relationship between the WTO regulations and trade provisions in international environment agreements.The call in the Johannesburg Plan for more market access for environmentally friendly goods and limitations on the use of non-sustainable subsidies continues to be a central negotiation issue on the Doha agenda, and Denmark will give high priority to this issue.

Denmark will continue efforts to achieve the trade-policy objectives in the Johannesburg implementation plan. In view of the developments in the WTO and experience with Danish multilateral and bilateral trade-related assistance, the Government strategy for Trade and Development will be updated. For example, it is necessary to examine how more focus can be afforded to the sustainability aspects in the strategy.

Biodiversity

Biodiversity and varied nature is a precondition for securing the development opportunities of nature and for sustainable exploitation of natural resources. Some natural areas in Denmark are of international significance and are therefore an international common property and responsibility

The Johannesburg Plan highlights that there must be a significant decrease in the loss of biodiversity before 2010 and efforts for special protection of the marine environment and fish resources

The Danish government has just presented an action plan for biodiversity and make amendments to the Danish Nature Protection Act and the Danish Forest Act in order to enhance protection and conservation of nature.The action plan will target efforts and contribute to meeting the objective of stopping the loss of biodiversity before 2010.The Government will also propose amendments to the Danish Agricultural Holdings Act to help increase the natural content of agricultural land.

Following the EU Habitat Directive, Denmark will designate areas for protection - the so-called Natura 2000 areas. In order to raise the level of Danish administration of habitat and bird protection, there is a need for a supplement from the resources allocated by the EU for Natura 2000.

In 2003 the Government initiated a number of pilot projects to establish national parks in Denmark. It is important that there is a comprehensive dialogue between users and other interested parties on a special Danish model for national parks.We need to achieve greater cohesion between productive use, preservation of nature, and outdoor recreation.

The distinctive plant and animal life in Danish shallow-water marine areas and coastlines is of great European and international significance and are thus an international responsibility and common property. Denmark has designated 254 EC habitat areas and 112 EC bird-protection areas. The majority are wholly or partly marine, and comprise the so-called Natura 2000 network.

Protection of marine nature requires international cooperation. The Government is taking part in developing and implementing a European Marine Strategy, to be completed in 2005. The objective of the EU Marine Strategy is that impacts from different environmentally dangerous and chemical substances, nutrients, and fishing should be reduced significantly.

The Johannesburg Plan highlights the need to make efforts to maintain and restore fish stocks on a sustainable basis before 2015

Danish commercial fishing is primarily regulated through the EU Common Fisheries Policy. Some of the commercially exploited fish stocks in the North Sea and the Baltic have been described as "outside biologically safe limits" by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES).

Under the Danish Presidency, the EU Council of Ministers adopted a Council Declaration on specific implementation of the Johannesburg Plan. One of the central elements of the Common Fisheries Policy is to secure sustainable exploitation of living marine resources through application of the precautionary principle, as well as to strengthen ecosystem management and integration of environmental concerns in management of fisheries.The EU has also adopted measures to achieve a better balance between fleet capacity and fisheries possibilities.

According to the Johannesburg Plan countries are encouraged to speed up implementation of the proposals from the UN forest fora and report on this work to the United Nations Forum on Forests in 2005. Moreover, it has been stressed that there should be immediate action against trade in illegal timber

One of the main objectives in the Danish National Forest Programme from 2002 is sustainable forestry, based on near-to –nature forest- management principles.The status for realisation of the National Forest Programme, including new forest legislation, will be included in reporting to the United Nations Forum on Forests. Denmark will continue its efforts to promote more binding international cooperation on forests within the UNFF, the Biodiversity Convention, European cooperation, etc.

Since Johannesburg, Denmark has implemented great efforts to combat illegal felling of timber and stop Danish imports of illegal timber. In June 2003, the Minister for the Environment issued guidelines for public procurement of tropical wood. Denmark places high priority on effective and rapid follow-up to the European Commission‘s Action Plan to Combat Illegal Logging and Related Trade, which was published in May 2003.

Water

Clean drinking water is a vital resource, and its quality is of great importance for human health and for industry. In many countries throughout the world, there is a need to develop basic water supplies as a precondition for development and environmental improvement.

The Johannesburg Plan emphasises that sustainable use of soil and water and the protection and management of water resources must be increased

Denmark is one of the few countries in Europe to extract almost all drinking water from the groundwater that requires a minimum of treatment at water treatment plants.

The implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive places great demands on both use of water resources and treatment of wastewater. In addition to the legislation for the protection of drinking water resources and the forthcoming EU groundwater directive, Denmark has a very high level of protection. At the same time, the implementation requires a reduction of the discharge of nutrients and substances injurious to the environment. In October 2003, the Danish government presented a bill on Danish implementation of the Directive.

The Government has initiated preparations for the Action Plan for the Aquatic Environment III. In this work, various opportunities for regulating agriculture‘s use of the nutrients nitrogen and phosphorous are clarified.The work includes descriptions of the opportunities for nationally and regionally based regulation of nutrient use. The political negotiations are expected to begin in December 2003 - January 2004.

Work has been intiated on assessing whether areas especially sensitive to leaching and run-off of pesticides can be identified, and on assessing whether there is a need to regulated the use of pesticides in these areas. A draft Pesticide Plan has been in hearing, and it was adopted in October 2003. The new Pesticide Plan focuses on significant areas such as food safety and groundwater pollution. The Plan sets new objectives according to the Pesticide Action Plan II.

The Danish government will carry out an service check/assessment of the water sector. A working group is to present a proposal for amended regulation and organisation that may ensure greater efficiency in the water and wastewater sectors. The point of departure for work is that security of supply as well as environmental and health considerations cannot be impaired.

The UN 2015 objective for water was expanded in Johannesburg. No later than in 2015, the proportion of people who do not have access to clean drinking water and basic sanitary facilities must be halved

The EU‘s global water initiative "Water for Life" was launched at Johannesburg. For the moment, the initiative builds upon two partnerships between the EU and Africa and 12 former Soviet republics (EECCA) respectively. On behalf of the EU, Denmark has undertaken to coordinate the development of the partnership with the EECCA countries and established a secretariat to support this work. In addition, Denmark is coordinating the development of the water and sanitation part of the initiative for Africa.

The water initiative is a platform for strategic partnerships to promote sustainable development.The water initiative is based on experience with the EU Water Framework Directive and on the EU development assistance‘s contributions to achieving international water objectives.

Partnerships have already begun, and the challenge is to realise all parts of the initiative in the near future.This consists of ensuring financial means for the initiative, and it includes the development programmes, the NGOs and the private sector taking part in the partnership.The Government will endeavour to achieve this objective.

Environment and health

Some chemicals have undesirable impacts, such as carcinogenic effects, reproduction disorders,, mutagenic effects or effects on vulnerable ecosystems.The international regulation of hazardous substances is important when use of the most hazardous substances is to be limited or stopped.

In Johannesburg, one of the goals set was that before 2020, chemicals must be produced and used in such a way that does not have significant negative effects on human health and the environment

The Government has set the goal that by 2020 no products or goods should be on the market that contain chemicals having particularly problematic effects on health and the environment.

In order to achieve a high level of protection, the precautionary principle must form the basis for the efforts.The substitution principle is also important to achieve these goals.This means that harmful compounds, products, or processes that pose a risk are substituted by other less harmful compounds, products, or processes. However, this requires knowledge about the impacts on human health and the environment caused by the alternatives, and we often do not have this knowledge.

In June 2003, the Government presented its strategy for health and the environment. One of the objectives is to reduce the negative effects of chemicals.

During the Danish Presidency of the EU, Denmark emphasised realising an international follow-up to the goal for chemicals from Johannesburg. Denmark and a number of other countries are pushing forward the adoption of an ambitious and effective new chemicals strategy as well as legislation in the EU (REACH) that could give us the knowledge necessary to be able to act efficiently. Industry must be made responsible for showing that the production and use of chemicals takes place without harming the environment and human health. Denmark will strive to ensure that chemical substances cannot be marketed if basic knowledge has not been provided by the manufacturers within a certain time limit. Particularly problematic substances should only be used with special authorisation.

The Johannesburg Plan urges participants to ratify and implement international conventions on chemicals and hazardous waste in 2003 and 2004 respectively.The Johannesburg Plan urges participants to present a global chemicals strategy before 2005

The Danish government ratified the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants in 2003 and is working on the ratification of the Rotterdam Convention on export and import of hazardous chemicals. Denmark is thus helping exert pressure on other countries to ratify so that the conventions may enter into force as soon as possible.

The Danish government supports the development of a global chemicals strategy. A targeted strategy is a prerequisite for being able to follow the work on realising the goal that in 2020 chemicals must be produced and used so that significant harmful effects on health and the environment are minimised.

Heavy metals do not degrade in nature and they accumulate in the food chain. Denmark is participating in the UN Environment Programme, UNEP, which is working to minimise mercury and other heavy metals globally. Denmark has implemented very extensive limitations on the use of mercury in products.The European Commission is preparing a new mercury strategy, which must be complete in 2004.This strategy will be a positive contribution to the UNEP GC meeting in 2005, at which future global efforts concerning mercury will be determined.

Denmark was a driving force behind the EU Directive concerning the limitation of cadmium in products, and Denmark is taking part in negotiations concerning the EU Directives regarding heavy metals in cars and in electrical/electronic products.

The Johannesburg Plan highlights that the ozone layer must be protected through supporting the developing countries in phasing out the use of ozone-depleting substances

The ozone layer protects us against harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun, which can cause cancer and may damage agriculture and fishing. Efforts to establish efficient protection of the ozone layer are regulated internationally via the Montreal Protocol.

During the Danish Presidency of the EU in 2002, it was decided that the wealthy countries should contribute the largest amount ever to the international fund supporting projects concerning phase-out of ozone-depleting substances in the developing countries. Denmark contributes more than DKK 11 million annually. Several of the substances that can be used as alternatives to ozone-depleting substances are strong greenhouse gases. Denmark is therefore also supporting increased cooperation between the Climate Convention and the Montreal Protocol.

Sustainable production and consumption

Today‘s environmental problems are very much linked to the way we produce and consume. It is therefore important to use the resources in production and consumption in an efficient manner. Moreover, amounts of waste and the degree of environmental impact must be minimised. All players bear responsibility and must contribute to pointing society towards sustainability.

At the World Summit, a decision was made to reinforcethe efforts to create sustainable patterns of production and consumption

The decision to develop programmes for sustainable production and consumption was one of Denmark‘s key issues in Johannesburg.

The UN Commission on Sustainable Development has designated sustainable production and consumption as an important cross-disciplinary problem to be discussed at the Commission‘s annual meetings. At the same time, the UN has started a regional process in which each region is responsible for following up the targets for sustainable production and consumption in the Johannesburg Plan.

In June 2003 in Marrakech, Morocco, a UN meeting of experts was held in order to ensure the continuous progress of work concerning sustainable production and consumption. Denmark gave its financial support to this conference so that the developing countries might take part in the work.

The conference concentrated on exchanging experience and identifying the most efficient tools for making production and consumption more sustainable.Tools included: environmental management in enterprises, lifestyle analyses, market information, and cleaner technologies. Denmark is working to achieve agreement on specific recommendations and on establishing cooperation and partnerships in specific areas.

Denmark supports the EU in taking the lead and making its own programme, as regional cooperation will be crucial for real progress towards more sustainable production and consumption patterns.

Nationally, work in Denmark to promote more sustainable production and consumption patterns is based in particular on the National Strategy for Sustainable Development and the Government report on Green Market Economy, with regular follow-up to the recommendations of the report.

The Johannesburg Plan highlights that investment and incentives to use cleaner technology and products should be promoted

In Johannesburg, business played a positive and constructive role and entered into a number of partnerships. It is important that corporate responsibility receives the right framework to be able to work freely.

The Danish government is working to see corporate responsibility regarding sustainable development continue this positive development and to see environmental concerns play a greater role in corporate decision-making processes. Future work will focus on establishing incentives for environmentally friendly behaviour through framework-creating activities.Work will also contribute to developing and implementing product-oriented initiatives in the EU under the IPP - Integrated Product Policy. Environmental awareness by Danish enterprises should be transformed more extensively into a competitive advantage in international markets. Results achieved and tools developed within environmental management should be used.

Denmark places priority on collating and reporting knowledge of the environmentally best available technologies within pollution-intensive sectors in the EU in the so-called BREF (Best REFerence) documents.The EU eco-label (the Flower), the EU energy labels, and the EU car-labelling scheme provide important information for consumers. Denmark will strive to ensure that common systems for environmental information on products in the internal market are promoted.

In 2003, the Danish government established a centre for lifecycle assessment to report knowledge, develop competencies, and promote exchange of experience within Denmark. The centre will cooperate with partners abroad to develop and spread lifecycle-assessment methodologies.

In spring 2003 the Danish Ministry of Economic and Business Affairs established a new Partnership for the Environment and Industry. The Partnership will enhance market-oriented environmental efforts by Danish business, and through greater dialogue between the authorities and enterprises, it will transform sustainability work into competitive advantages.

In Johannesburg it was agreed to prevent and minimise waste amounts and maximise reuse, recycling, and use of alternative environment-friendly materials

The Danish government has just issued the "Waste Strategy 2005-08", which contains over 100 initiatives for the entire waste area.The focus of the Strategy is to prevent the loss of resources and environmental impacts from waste.

The Waste Strategy provides a number of new waste indicators to show the loss of resources and the landfill requirements for 22 waste materials (for example paper and aluminium).These indicators will provide a better basis for placing priorities on efforts in the waste area, and they will elucidate the type of waste treatment resulting in the lowest loss of resources.

The European Commission is planning to prepare two thematic strategies, one for sustainable use of natural resources, and one for waste prevention and recycling, as part of the implementation of the EU‘s Sixth Environment Action Programme. In summer 2003, the Commission sent a communication on work on the Strategy for the Prevention and Recycling of Waste to hearing, and in October 2003 it sent a communication on sustainable use of natural resources to hearing. Denmark‘s opinion of the two European thematic strategies will be based on the principles in the Waste Strategy 2005-08 and the report Making Markets Work for Environmental Policies.

Transport

By integrating concerns regarding sustainable development into transport and infrastructure, the total transport system can be improved and become a tool to limit the negative impacts of transport on the environment.

According to the Johannesburg Plan, sustainable, integrated transport strategies should contribute to reducing the negative impact on health by the transport sector, as well as its CO2 emissions, and improve the quality and efficiency of transport

In order to reduce the content of particles in the air, the Danish government has earmarked DKK 15 million each year for 2004 and 2005 to reduce emissions of particles from heavy vehicles. Other important initiatives include environmental zones, stricter requirements for inspection, and information regarding particle filters for lorry drivers and providers of transport. It is estimated that the current emissions of particles will be reduced by 50 per cent over the next five to six years, solely through existing EU requirements.

Requirements regarding emissions of nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons from vehicles are regularly tightened in the EU.The Government aims to bring down emissions by 60 per cent in 2010 compared to the 1988 level.The EU requirements have led to a large reduction in these emissions generally, as well as reductions in Danish emissions.

Work to achieve more energy-efficient and cleaner means of transport is becoming primarily regulated under the EU through emissions requirements. Agreements have been made with the automobile industry to improve fuel consumption by vehicles. In Denmark these agreements have been followed up with energy labelling, campaigns, and green taxes.

The Government has set up a road noise group to prepare a proposal for a strategy to limit noise from traffic.The strategy will indicate the most cost-effective solutions to reduce noise, and it will describe how initiatives against traffic noise should be organised in the future.

Agriculture

Agriculture uses a great deal of the area of Denmark. Agricultural production should be in balance with nature and multiple forms of land use should be maintained.

The Johannesburg Plan highlights sustainable agriculture and development in rural districts as a precondition to ensuring food supplies in an environmentally sustainable manner

In the mid-term evaluation of the EU Common Agricultural Policy, Denmark has worked for market orientation of EU agricultural policy.The result was a reform that secures a partial decoupling of production and subsidies and which promotes sustainable production of food.The Reform links payment of subsidies with requirements to comply with standards for the environment and food safety, animal and plant health, and animal welfare, and the requirement to keep all agricultural areas in good agricultural and environmental condition (cross compliance). Furthermore, rural policy is strengthened in content and financially.

The Government places priority on multiple use of agricultural land with considerations for nature, the environment, and landscape values as well as continued settlement and development of rural districts. Subsidy schemes under the Rural Districts Programme for MVJ (agro-environmental schemes) and organic farming have been developed in 2002-2003 so that they become more flexible and attractive for farmers.

The mid-term evaluation will be completed of the Danish Rural Districts Programme 2000-2006 before the end of 2003. Partly on the basis of the EU reform and the mid-term evaluation, the Danish government will consider how to renew the Rural Districts Programme in order to promote sustainable development in rural districts.

The market

Market-based instruments are a cost-effective strategy to reduce pressure on the environment. Use of flexible framework management and pricing mechanisms are important benchmarks in environmental policy.

The Johannesburg Plan highlights that the market mechanism can promote sustainable production and consumption patterns by using economic instruments to internalise the environmental costs of production and consumption

The Danish government places high priority on increasing application of market-based instruments in environmental policy. Economic growth in society should generally take place without corresponding growth in environmental impacts.

In April 2003 the Government issued a report Making Markets Work for Environmental Policies. The Report expands and develops the notions that economic measures are very suitable to making producers and consumers more environment-friendly in their actions. For example, there is conversion to more environmentally effective taxes and tradable quotas. There is particular focus on tradable quotas. The Climate Strategy is an example of how quota regulation and trading in quotas can be used in practice. Market-based instruments should be coordinated internationally as far as possible.

In the water and waste areas there is special focus on increased competition and price transparency. The Danish government has set up a work group to assess a new organisation of the waste sector, as well as a work group to examine water and wastewater services.

Future initiatives will emphasise that as far as possible prices should reflect social costs, including environmental impacts.This corresponds to the polluter pays principle.

Technological development, and research

Technological development, research and innovation are all tools to achieve less environmental impacts and better cost-effectiveness as well as tools to exploit the potentials of new knowledge in specific initiatives and products. It is important that there is a transfer of knowledge to the poorer developing countries to contribute to their capacity building.

The Johannesburg Plan highlights technological development, research and innovation as well as transfers of knowledge and technological knowhow as central tools

The Danish government has initiated targeted efforts to enhance and modernise the Danish research system. The interplay between enterprises and universities must be strengthened. Comprehensive reform work has been implemented with a new Universities Act, structural adaptation in sector research, and modernisation of the research consultancy system.

Almost 6 per cent of public investment in research and development contains a significant environment element. The Danish government has initiated a number of strategic research programmes to support prioritised initiatives in the Johannesburg Plan. Over the next three to four years, DKK 110 million has been allocated to research into renewable energy, DKK 100 million to genome research and the relationship between the environment and health, and DKK 40 million to endocrine disrupters.

In 2003 the Government completed the first part of green technological foresight. This will ensure a knowledge base that can help include environmental concerns in public and enterprise investments in technology of the future. The green foresight will be promoted in a number of more specific visions such as environmental design of materials and products.

Danish business has made considerable efforts to increase exports of technology and knowledge in the environment and energy sectors. Developing countries and the newly industrialised countries represent a crucial market for increasing exports by Danish enterprises of knowledge and technological solutions in the environment and energy area.

Local Agenda 21

Local joint responsibility of citizens and enterprises is important in transforming objectives regarding sustainable development into action. Involvement of citizens in municipalities and counties is based on Local Agenda 21, amongst other things.

The Johannesburg Plan stresses that local authorities and populations have an important role in implementing Agenda 21. Local Agenda 21, partnerships, and similar initiatives should continue to receive support

By the end of 2003 all municipalities and counties in Denmark will have adopted a Local Agenda 21 strategy. The strategies are an important tool in local follow-up of the National Strategy on Sustainable Development. The strategies will establish objectives for future work to reduce environmental impacts, promote sustainable urban development, promote biodiversity, and involve the public and business community in Local Agenda 21 work. The strategies will target local work and provide more widespread ownership.

As a follow-up to Johannesburg a European Conference on Local Agenda 21 was held in Kolding from 3-6 November 2002. The Conference gathered about 350 representatives from European municipalities, towns, and regions. There was focus on future aims including that local work for sustainable development requires strengthened public-private cooperation, that Local Agenda 21 should be integrated more in other local policies and strategies, and that local authorities in Europe should be better at involving global environmental problems such a climate protection and water quality in local work for sustainable development.

Denmark is participating in Agenda 21 for the Baltic Sea Region. Through the action plan for "education for sustainable development" Denmark has committed itself to including the concept of sustainable development in all adjustments to education programmes. Sustainable development is thus included in subject development and goals in the Danish Primary and Lower Secondary School, and it will be included as part of the reform of upper-secondary education.

Environmental impact assessments

Strategic environmental impact assessments are part of ensuring that sustainable development is included in decisions at all levels, including bills, plans, programmes or projects.

The Johannesburg Implementation Plan highlights the importance of authorities using strategic Environmental Impact Assessment in decision-making on development plans, infrastructure, and development of business

In 2004, the Government will present a bill on introducing environmental impact assessments in connection with preparations of plans and programmes.The regulations will include plans and programmes that set the framework for construction projects at all authority levels.Within a short period of years it will be ensured that decisions leading to significant impacts on the physical environment are made on the basis of an assessment of environmental impacts.

Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) are already included as a routine part of legislative work in connection with bills and other governmental proposals.

Environmental Impact Assessments have been required in projects since 1989. EIA rules cover all projects and construction that could impact the environment significantly.The rules are regularly updated, most recently in 1999.The EIA rules will be revised in 2005 as a result of the Århus Convention and the consequential changes in the EIA Directive.

Further documents regarding the World Summit in Johannesburg and sustainable development

Here, you can find further information on the World Summit in Johannesburg, sustainable development and the publications mentioned in this booklet.

International links:

The Johannesburg Plan of Implementation: http://www.un.org/esa/sustdev/documents/WSSD_POI_PD/English/POIToc.htm

CSD (UN Commission on Sustainable Development): http://www.un.org/esa/sustdev/csd/about_csd.htm

The Millennium Development Goals: http://www.undp.org/mdg/

CDM (Clean Development Mechanism): http://unfccc.int/

CO2 credits: http://unfccc.int/

WTO (World Trade Organisation): www.wto.org

UNFF (United Nations Forum on Forests): http://www.un.org/esa/forests/

EECCA (Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia): http://www.unece.org/env/europe/monitoring/EECCA_Intro_en.html

IPP (Integrated Product Policy): http://europa.eu.int/comm/enviroment/ipp/home.htm

Links to Danish government initiatives:

National Strategy for Sustainable Development: http://www.mst.dk/news/08030000.htm

A World of Difference - the Government‘s Vision for New Priorities in Danish Development Assistance 2004-2008: http://www.um.dk/publikationer/danida/dansk_udviklingssamarbejde/a_world_of_ difference/

Making Markets Work for Environmental Policies - Achieving Cost-effective Solutions: http://www.mst.dk/udgiv/publications/2003/87-7972-852-9/html/kap01_eng.htm

Environment and Health are Closely Related: http://www.mst.dk/udgiv/publications/2003/87-7972-931-2/html/default_eng.htm

Waste Strategy: www.mst.dk/affald/01010300.htm (only available in Danish)

Pesticide Plan: www.mst.dk/homepage (will be available in English in November 2003)

The Action Plan on the Aquatic Environment III: http://www.vmp3.dk/ (only available in Danish)  

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