Final conclusions

Conclusions about the program

In planning the project we put together a workgroup consisting of Icelandic teenagers with the aim to create a program that would be as effective and interesting for the participants as possible. The group indicated strongly that the program should absolutely not be too cluttered with dry with facts. The program should intertwine facts and visits with arts and games. In order to keep everyone interested it would be important to take a fresh approach to the subject.

We feel that we managed to find a good balance in the project. We started off with visits to companies and institutions and the gathering of data for the checklists. The visits to Icelandic communities consisted both of a practical program as well as a presentation of the communities in question. Stefnumót 21/Aktivitetets Forum 21 offered a new creative approach to nature through games and creation. Most participants found this variation to be fun and inspirational, although some of them thought the games to be irrelevant for the project. The checklists were considered very informative and useful.

Conclusions in regards to the aims of the program

The aim of the program was to evaluate the status of the Local Agenda 21 in various Nordic communities as well as to attract young people to the idea of sustainable development.

The Local Agenda 21 plan has been implemented in all of the participating communities. They are doing very well in the conventional environmental issues, such as waste management, water, sewage, and recycling. But social aspects do not seem to have a high priority with the muncipalities.

A vital part of Local Agenda 21 is to use the resources of the general public when implementing and executing a plan for sustainable development in the communities. Local Agenda 21 is not merely a project for the local governments. But according to the checklists it is seldom the case sadly that the general public is involved in the plans of the communities. Young people are an untapped resource when it comes to working with environment issues. The group that gathered for this program was filled with energy, interest and knowledge in regards to the environment and we trust that the work on this program will result in a useful meeting between the participants and the Local Agenda 21 operatives in their hometowns.

We hope that the participants will use this experience for future projects. Be involved in the decisionmaking in your hometowns and explore the possibilities of co-operation at home and elsewhere. Programs such as the European volontary program Youth for Europe are a good foundation for future projects. Be active.

Photo: Sigurdur Mar Halldorsson