Implementing China's Agenda 21: from national strategy to local action

Abstract

The process of adaptation of Chinese Government policy in response to sustainable development is analysed, starting with the historical roots, from which this response arises. By examining the policy-making and implementation processes of China's Agenda 21, a better understanding is gained of: the dynamic forces that contribute to the establishment of the national and regional Agenda 21, and the relationships among different institutions and the obstacles they produce; the driving forces behind proactive responses to implement Agenda 21 projects, and the role of local governments in the process; the relationship between international environmental aid and national capacity-building for the environment; the obstacles and conflicting interests that limit the implementation of Agenda 21 and sustainable development in China.

Keywords:

• sustainable development
• China
• Agenda 21