Consensus or Conflict? Experiences with Local Agenda 21 Forums in Norway

Abstract

The forum approach echoes the patois of'partnerships’ and'stakeholding’ associated with international conferences such as the 1992 Rio Earth Summit. Of special interest for the local level in Agenda 21, also known as the Local Agenda 21 (LA21), is its Chapter 28. This article explores the potential offorum models for consultation and consensus at the local level, and focuses primarily on the experiences of two Norwegian cities, Bergen and Fredrikstad. Both cities have set up an environmental forum, though they have developed along quite different lines. The article finally discusses advantages and disadvantages accruing from this kind of co-operative approach to LA21 issues in light of the two case studies.