Formulation of Agenda 21 Process Indicators for Malaysia

Abstract

This paper consists of formulation of Agenda 21 progress indicators for Malaysia from its establishment in 1992 which calls on countries, organizations and non-governmental organizations to develop and use indicators of sustainable development. It provides a firm basis for decision-making on the impacts of economic activities on the environment that have to be clearly understood and taken into account. The initiatives taken by Malaysia in response to the needs identified in Agenda 21 as well as those identified through its own development planning, monitoring system and development plans. Also included are initiatives undertaken by the Federal Government, by the State Government of Selangor, and by non-governmental organizations. The approach adopted by each category of stakeholder is unique but appropriate to the mandate and modus operandi of the relevant organization. Policy-and decision-makers are becoming increasingly aware of the need to address the uncertainties and complexities of Agenda 21 more realistically. In order to do this, progress indicators must reflect the nature of relationships between disparate issues adequately. In future, the development and use of indicators to assess progress towards fulfilling the nation's Agenda 21 requires continual commitment and activities. The development of such indicators requires the participation of policy-and decision-makers, scientists, international organizations, and a knowledgeable public to work together in a joint initiative that would result in better-informed choices of indicators that capture the inter-linkages between sectors towards achieving national Agenda 21 targets.

The challenges for solid waste management in accordance with Agenda 21: A Brazilian case review

“…They also require effective implementation and movement towards goals. Although the quest to achieve sustainable development is not new, the urgency to improve the capacity to assess progress towards it is mounting (Ngah et al, 2011).…”

“…In June 1992, Rio de Janeiro hosted the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), known as the Earth Summit or Rio 92. During this conference, Global Agenda 21 were created and demonstrates the global consensus over two decades on the concept of sustainability introduced by the 1972 Stockholm Conference, connecting environment and development (Barbieri 2004;Llamas-Sanchez et al, 2013;Mebratu, 1998;Ngah et al, 2011;UN, 1993).…”

“…The Agenda 21 is a blueprint for meeting the challenges of environment and development into the next century (Bárcena, 1994;Llamas-Sanchez et al, 2013;Ngah et al, 2011). To accomplish this goal, national, regional and local efforts are necessary to achieve a more sustainable future (Lafferty and Eckerberg, 2013).…”

“…Global Agenda 21 is a reference document that guides governments in several spheres to plan and execute actions that promote a balanced use of environmental assets in contemporary societies. This constitutes an unprecedented commitment by the international community to an integrated framework of shared values, objectives, priorities and actions (Jalas, 2012;Ngah et al, 2011).…”

A sustainable urban tourism indicator in Malaysia

“…As a result, a sustainable development report, "Our Common Future" was presented in Bruntland by the World Commission on Environment and Development [7], where the concept of sustainable development was introduced in urban development. Furthermore, Agenda 21 has been introduced during Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, which provided suggestions for action or changing the traditional patterns of development to achieve sustainability, especially in the urban area [16].…”