Indicators of sustainable development of the local community (How to evaluate the results of Local Agenda 21)

The issues of developing and using indicators of sustainable development at the local level (in regions, districts, cities, villages) in the process of implementing strategies for sustainable development of territories (Local Agenda-21) are considered. The experience of many foreign cities and regions in the field of applying sustainable development indicators is summarized and analyzed, sections of a number of national sustainable development strategies are studied from the point of view of indicators used in them that assess progress towards sustainability. The main requirements for indicators are outlined, a set of sustainable development indicators for the conditions of Belarus is proposed. The Appendix contains the text of the Recommendations of the First Republican Scientific and Practical Conference “Sustainable Development of Territories. Local agendas-21 in Belarus: experience, problems, prospects” (Minsk, June 7–8, 2007), as well as a list of references. The publication is aimed at representatives of local government and government at all levels (country - region - district - city - village), public organizations, foundations, state enterprises and organizations, entrepreneurs, active residents interested in the fate of the district, city or village in which they live.