THE FREDRIKSTAD DECLARATION
An invitation from the national conference on community action for sustainable development, held in Fredrikstad on 9/11 February 1998
1. We are
Local authorities, regional authorities and organisations who wish to ensure that local communities in Norway contribute to sustainable development, and who therefore endorse this declaration.
2. Our objectives
a) Sustainable development to secure quality of life and a means of existence now and for future generations.
b) To ensure that activities in our communities are environmentally sustainable at both local and global level. We therefore wish to reduce consumption of resources and environmental pollution.
3. The starting point
a) The call by the UN Earth Summit held in Rio in 1992 for local authorities to mobilise residents, organisations and businesses through local action plans for sustainable development (Local Agenda 21)
b) Local authorities must take responsibility for involving residents in this programme, and ensure active participation, shared responsibility and collective decision-making.
c) Local communities can play a key role in making sustainable development a reality. Questions concerning development and the environment are best dealt with by involving those who will be directly affected.
d) The Rio challenge may also revitalise local democracy in Norway.
4. We intend to
a) Mobilise residents, organisations, businesses and employees to play an active part in local Agenda 21 activities by setting up suitable forums and networks.
b) Establish the principle that action for sustainable development is the responsibility of all sectors in society.
c) Ensure that a long-term, systematic approach, aiming for continuous improvement, is the hallmark of all sustainable development projects.
d) Establish local plans, regional plans and other regulatory and advisory documents as binding commitments and practical instruments for achieving sustainable development.
e) Monitor sustainable development projects in local communities, e.g. by employing environmental indicators.
f) Work for open dialogue between local authorities, regional authorities and central government bodies, and concerted action by them, to ensure synergy between local, regional and national interests.