About Poole Agenda Twenty One

PA21 is a local forum for local people, with the aim of increasing sustainability locally. The Agenda 21 concept was developed at the original United Nations Rio Earth Summit in 1992, where 178 world leaders signed a pledge for an Agenda for the 21st century, which was a commitment to find better ways of living which are more sustainable. Because it was recognised that it was not just up to governments to act, that everyone has collective responsibility, Agenda 21 groups have a local focus, and are made up of local people. Click here for a copy of the PA21 Constitution.

Since the original earth summit, the UK government has signed the Kyoto Protocol (1997) which requires that the UK reduces its CO2 emissions to 93% of the 1990 level by 2010. In addition to that, the UK government is now promoting a target of 26% reductions by 2020 in the new UK Climate Change Bill. Achieving these targets are an important part of tackling climate change. Poole Agenda 21 are working with the Borough of Poole on achieving these targets locally.

There is also a Dorset Local Agenda 21, based in Dorchester.

History of Poole Agenda 21

Poole Agenda 21 came into being in 1995 at a conference which took place after the Earth Summit. Over 400 local people and organisations were invited, of which 120 took part. A number of sub-groups were established, with a steering group.

Since then, many changes have taken place and the steering group has become the main forum, although there is still a special interest group for Local Transport. There are currently around 150 members and 15 - 20 regular attendees at meetings.

Poole Agenda 21 Highlights:

  • 1995 – group started
  • 1998 – Tatnam Organic Patch created
  • 1999 – lottery grant funds the Heritage Cycleway
  • 2000 – Dorset Rapid Light Rail System (DARTS) incorporated into Local Transport Plan
  • 2005 – Nature Conservation Strategy Published
  • 2006 – start of Campaign to Take Global Warming Seriously
  • 2007 – Contributing to the Poole Sustainable Community Strategy
  • 2008 – Discussing UK Climate Change Policies with Defra in whitehall
Objectives

The principle objective reflects the Agenda 21 background to support the local achievement of targets set at the Earth Summit and any additional or revised targets set and agreed by the UK government since 1995.

In addition to that, we seek opportunities to promote sustainable development in Poole, where we reduce Poole's ecological footprint on our natural environment, whilst maintaining a balance with local development.