Agenda 21: a planning tool for regional policy

The formulation of environmental, economic and societal policies places the criterion of sustainability at the forefront of regional strategies. Within the framework of regional development remit, a large number of local authorities have implemented, and are continuing to implement, initiatives in line with the requirements of the National Sustainable Development Plan. Their actions are carried out in accordance with the powers vested in them. In Lower Normandy, administrative management is shared amongst three territorial entities: the region, the department and the local authority. This means that sustainable development projects within the region are not organised in exactly the same way, depending on their respective powers. Each of these administrative bodies approaches the actions to be undertaken in the light of factors specific to its geographical context. These projects are based on Agenda 21, which serves as the common planning tool. Agenda 21 forms part of a process aimed at effectively addressing the major challenges of sustainable development in Lower Normandy. This tool is used with a view to fostering development.